We all want to put our best face forward and feel confident in our day to day lives. Unfortunately crooked and misaligned teeth are common and can make many people feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to show them off in public or in photographs. This feeling is especially heightened when special occasions come around, like weddings and family gatherings. Luckily, there are options for those that want to straighten their teeth.
Traditional braces are the first thing most people think of when they imagine straightening their teeth. But the uncomfortable, unsightly metal braces leave people dreading undergoing treatment. The good news is, Ottawa dentists often recommend another option and it doesn’t involve metal, elastics, or headgear.
You may be familiar with Invisalign braces, a teeth straightening method that involves using a series of clear, easy to remove aligners that are designed to fit your teeth. But how do they compare with traditional braces? And how long will you have to wait until you have the straight teeth you’ve always wanted?
Begin with a consultation
Visit an Ottawa dentist for a full consultation, where your orthodontic issues will be assessed. The dentist will determine whether clear braces are the right solution for your issues.
Make a mold
The orthodontist will take a mold of your teeth and send it away to have your custom aligners made. Typically you will receive your first set of aligners and begin using them within a couple of weeks.
Begin the alignment process
Though the aligners are clear, soft, and as unobtrusive as possible, they will take some getting used to in the beginning.
Once you begin, your Ottawa dentist will recommend that you will wear the aligners for at least 22 hours every day. Invisalign aligners are removable, but should only come out during meals and for cleaning purposes.
While the aligners work their magic, you may experience some initial discomfort. Soon your mouth will become accustomed to them and you will hardly notice they’re there.
Switching aligners
Approximately every 2 weeks, you will switch out your aligner for a new one that will progress the realignment process. It’s a great benchmark to your teeth’s progress!
Overall timeframe
So just how long will you have to keep using the aligners before your teeth look perfect?
If the aligners are worn properly and consistently throughout the treatment process, they will follow a similar timeline to traditional braces.
This timeline can vary from a few months to a few years, depending on your dental needs.
However, to narrow it down, a typical timeframe for completing the Invisalign process ranges from between 9 and 18 months.
Benefits of Invisalign
What are the benefits of Invisalign when compared to traditional braces?
• superior aesthetics
• removable, making it a breeze to eat!
• easy to clean both teeth and aligners
• comfort
Whether you want to look your best for a special event, or simply want to feel better about your smile, contact an Ottawa dentist and see if the Invisalign process is right for you.
