Thinking About Invisalign? What Adults Want to Know Before Starting

Sometimes, even the simplest decisions can take adults a long time to ponder. Should we buy the house? Is it time for a new car? Should I invest in improving my smile? Yes, they’re all big decisions, and it’s important to take the time to think about what’s best for you. But when it comes to improving your smile, let us help you answer the question with a resounding yes!

Many adults have minor imperfections in their teeth. Perhaps they are slightly crowded, or there is too much space between teeth. For others, their teeth are crooked, resulting in a smile that isn’t quite as confident as they would like it to be. But today, correcting your smile is so much easier than ever, and Invisalign is often the answer.

What Invisalign Is and How It Works 

Invisalign has been around for a long time now, so you’ve probably heard of it. If not, let’s get you up to speed. Invisalign works much like traditional braces, but is less invasive as it doesn’t involve brackets or wires. You get a set of custom-made clear aligners that you wear on your teeth for 20 to 22 hours per day. And when we say nonpermanent, we mean that you can remove the aligners to eat, brush your teeth, and even for important events. 

Every few weeks, as your teeth shift, you receive a new set of aligners to continue the process. And for most, the result is a straighter smile in as little as 12 to 18 months. That’s not that long when you think of all the years ahead of you and all the people that you want to share your smile with.

What Invisalign Can Treat

As you can see, Invisalign is a gradual process that shifts your teeth into the proper position. And while many people think it’s only for mild cases, it can address a wide range of concerns. For adults who have put off treatment or have noticed changes over time, Invisalign offers a flexible way to improve alignment without brackets or wires. It’s all about small, steady changes that add up to a smile you feel good about.

• Crowded teeth that overlap and seem hard to clean
• Gaps or unsightly spacing between teeth
• Crooked teeth that affect how your smile looks
• Overbites, where the upper teeth sit too far forward
• Underbites, where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
• Crossbites, where some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth

Daily Life With Invisalign

As we shared earlier, the entire Invisalign process is pretty easy. One of the primary reasons our patients in Reston, Virginia, appreciate Invisalign so much is that they can remove the aligners when they eat or attend social engagements. As long as you are wearing your aligners at least 20 hours a day, you’re good to go.

Let’s review the benefits and how easy it is to wear your Invisalign oral appliances every day.

• Remove your aligners when you eat, so there are no food restrictions
• Brush and floss as you normally would, without having to clean around brackets
• Keep your aligners clean with simple daily rinsing and gentle brushing
• Switch to a new set of aligners every couple of weeks as directed
• Wear them during the day and while you sleep, to stay on track
• Take them out for special occasions, then place them back in afterward
• Get used to them quickly, as they are thin and fit close to your teeth

Comfort and Adjustment Period

As with anything, there can be an adjustment period. But patients tell us that adjusting to clear aligners takes only a day or two. And, based on our conversation with patients who wear traditional braces, the adjustment is faster, and aligners are far more comfortable.

In those first few days, you may notice light pressure as your teeth begin to move. This is a sign that your treatment is working. Many adults choose Invisalign because it helps straighten teeth without the need for braces and fits into busy schedules. As part of adult orthodontics, it’s a simple way to make progress without major disruption to your day.

Monitoring Progress and Office Visits

For most patients, you’ll visit your cosmetic dentist in Reston, Virginia every six to eight weeks to evaluate progress and to get you started on a new set of clear aligners. During your visit, we’re looking at how your teeth are shifting, how your aligners fit, and making any small adjustments needed to keep treatment on track.

Is Invisalign right for you?

It all sounds pretty great, right? We think so, and we think you will too. But first, you need to decide if Invisalign is right for you. If you’re going back and forth and trying to make the right decision, know that if your smile isn’t as straight as it should be, or crowding or spacing is keeping you from smiling confidently in both personal and professional situations, then a smile makeover and Invisalign might be exactly what you (and your dentist) ordered.

That said, why try to decide yourself? Request a consultation with our team to discuss your options. We’ll assess the current state of your smile and oral health, discuss your smile goals, and develop a personalized plan for custom smile design. Get on the calendar today.