7 things worth knowing before going for Invisalign in Harker Heights

If you have tiny gaps between your teeth, you may benefit from cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as veneers. While veneers can fix cosmetic issues, these thin shells don’t really straighten your smile. For that, you will need orthodontic care. Many adults don’t want to go for regular braces because of unsightly metalwork, and if you are one of them, you can consider Invisalign. Top cosmetic dentists in Harker Heights offer Invisalign, and in this post, we are sharing seven things worth knowing before you consider the option. 

1. Invisalign is a brand name: Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners, and it was the first of its kind. Today, there are other choices, but Invisalign continues to remain a popular choice among patients and dentists alike. Clear aligners are made of a plastic material and are customized for each patient. These trays put gentle pressure on the teeth to fix alignment issues. 
2. Invisalign aligners are removable: One of the many reasons why clear aligners are preferred is because they are removable. Whether you are brushing, flossing, or eating your favorite foods, you can remove the trays, and there is practically no impact on your diet and oral hygiene habits. Unlike usual metal braces that can often poke and cause discomfort, Invisalign trays feel better, although it can take a while to get used to them. 
3. Invisalign treatment requires discipline: When you have metal braces, there is no choice but to wear them all day. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients often don’t adhere to instructions. That often delays results and impacts the outcome. If you are considering Invisalign, remember that these aligners must be used for at least 22 hours each day. 
4. You cannot drink anything when wearing clear aligners: When it comes to drinking something while wearing Invisalign aligners, water is your only choice. In other words, you cannot drink sodas, coffee, tea, or wine when using the trays. Besides the fact that sugary drinks can cause tooth decay, these can also stain your aligners. 
5. Maintaining your oral hygiene habits is a must: Invisalign aligners fit snugly to your teeth to correct misalignment issues, and as a result, proper oral hygiene is highly important. You have to brush and floss at least twice a day or after every meal, ensuring there are food particles between or on your teeth. Plaque and bacterial growth can cause additional problems. 
6. You must keep the aligners clean: Every time you take out your Invisalign aligners, you have to rinse them. Your dentist will usually share instructions for caring for your trays, and it usually means just brushing them gently without using toothpaste. There are also retainer cleaners that you can ask your dentist about, and always use lukewarm water. Hot water can damage the aligners and cause fit issues. 
7. Keeping up with dental appointments is essential: Most patients need at least 20 or more sets of aligners during the treatment, and your dentist will usually ask you to return for checkups to know if the progress is as expected. Make sure you don’t lose your old aligners even when using new ones and stick to the appointment schedule as suggested by your dentist. 

Final takeaway

Invisalign is one of the most effective ways to correct mild to moderate misalignment issues. However, for extreme orthodontic issues, you may still need conventional braces. Schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Harker Heights to know whether you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign. The imaging work even lets you foresee how your smile will look in the future. If you have questions, your dentist will answer them for you.