Are you curious about adult orthodontic treatments? Have you heard about invisible aligners and want to see if they might be the right choice for you? There has never been a better time to enquire about them, with the majority of dental surgeries now offering them to their patients.
In this guide and FAQ section, you will be provided with an overview relating to the wearing and use of Invisalign Macleod.
How are the aligners made?
The making of invisible aligners begins with an assessment. If your dentist deems you suitable for undertaking treatment with invisible aligners, then they will perform an intraoral scan of your teeth. This image is then uploaded and dental software will digitally move your teeth into the correct positions.
Once this is done, your aligners will be printed using a 3D printer. On average, there will be around 12 to 14 aligners.
How long do I need to wear them each day?
On average, your clear aligner will need to be worn for around 22 hours each day. But this may vary depending on your clinical case, so your dentist will be able to instruct you on wearing guidelines.
Remember, if you do not wear the aligners for the required time each day, this can cause your teeth to move back to their former positions. This is known as reversion and can make even the most expensive orthodontic treatments a waste of time if it occurs. Not to mention money! So, keep your aligners in!
How do I clean them?
Invisible aligners are made from clear plastic. So, they are not difficult to clean, especially when compared to fitted orthodontic tools.
To clean them, simply rinse them under a cold water tap. If there is food debris, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove it. Do not under any circumstance use hot water to clean your aligners, as this can cause them to warp out of shape. Similarly, while it seems logical, you should not use mouthwash to clean aligners either, as this can cause staining.
There are also cleaning tablets available for cleaning aligners.
How long does the treatment take?
How long you wear an aligner overall depends on the severity of the issue being treated. For most dental patients, the average time span for wearing an invisible aligner is from 3 to 6 months. But, as mentioned before, in order for the aligner to work in this accelerated timeframe, you will need to wear it for a minimum of 22 hours per day.
If you have a more complex case of dental misalignment, then you may need to wear the aligner for up to 18 months. Talk to your dentist about how long they estimate your treatment will take.
How much do they cost?
There are varying costs for adult orthodontic care.
In general, the amount you pay for any kind of brace or aligner will vary based on the severity of the condition, the provider of the aligner and how long you need to wear it.
If you need a fitted brace, the alterations and tightenings will up the overall cost.
DISCLAIMER OFFSITE
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
