Table of contents:
- Invisalign, an alternative way to straighten your teeth besides stirrups
- Understand how invisalign works
- The advantage of using invisalign
- 1. Does not cause injury
- 2. Not too flashy
- 3. Easy to clean
- 4. Can be removed
- The risks of using invisalign
- 1. Uncomfortable at first
- 2. It costs more
- 3. Allergic reactions
- 4. Risk of breakage or damage
- 5. It took longer
- 6. A little complicated to use
- Not everyone can and is suitable to use this tool
- Preparation before using invisalign
- Invisalign maintenance guide
- 1. Time of use
- 2. Routinely replace Invisalign
- 3. Should not be cleaned with toothpaste
- 4. Must be diligent in cleaning teeth
Having rows of healthy and neat teeth is everyone's dream. So, if you are one of the people with messy teeth, you don't need to worry. Now there are many ways to straighten your teeth that you can try. One of them is by using Invisalign.
Invisalign, an alternative way to straighten your teeth besides stirrups
Invisalign is a widely used and popular way of straightening teeth, writes Dr. Ling, a professor at the University of Wester Ontario in Clinical Limitation of Invisalign.
Invisalign is actually a trademark of removable dental care kits manufactured in the United States.
Invisalign is a tool in the form of a "dental jacket" to prevent and repair messy tooth structures made of plastic. At first glance, the shape of this tool is similar to the type of clear retainer that is usually used to maintain the shape of the teeth after removing the stirrup. The difference is, the plastic of this tool is more flexible than ordinary retainers.
The flexible plastic material makes this method considered more practical and convenient for straightening teeth compared to installing braces. The shape is transparent to resemble your natural teeth.
This method of straightening teeth is suitable for all ages and genders. Especially for those who don't want to bother with braces.
Understand how invisalign works
If the stirrup straightens a messy tooth by pulling the tooth into the correct position with the help of a wire, Invisalign straightens the tooth by applying pressure from the outside and inside.
Invisalign is used by inserting a clear mold similar to the shape of your teeth in the upper and lower jaw. As you coat your teeth, the pressure from the appliance will slowly press down on each of your teeth so that they change their position and flatten the grooves of the teeth.
This method has also proven successful in overcoming various tooth alignment disorders.
The advantage of using invisalign
Here are some of the advantages of using Invisalign that you need to know.
1. Does not cause injury
This tool does not use wires to tie your teeth. Instead, this tool is made of pliable plastic and has a fine texture. As a result, you don't have to worry about bleeding your tongue or gums from rubbing against this tool.
2. Not too flashy
When you put on the braces, your teeth will look like they are lined with wire in a variety of colors. While this tool is colorless and almost invisible.
3. Easy to clean
The longer this tool is used, of course, this tool will get dirty. The good news is, this tool is easy to clean. You can simply brush it using a soft-bristled toothbrush slowly.
4. Can be removed
Invisalign can be removed and installed by yourself whenever you want. You can remove this appliance when eating, brushing your teeth, and rinsing your mouth. Since it can be removed and attached easily, you can enjoy your favorite foods comfortably.
The risks of using invisalign
Just like medical treatments in general, this tool also has a number of risks or potential side effects. Here are some invisalign risks you need to be aware of.
1. Uncomfortable at first
Your mouth may feel full or a little sore when you move it. Generally, this way of straightening your teeth can also make it difficult for you to speak.
However, over time these discomfort will disappear because your mouth has adapted to invisalign.
2. It costs more
Why is this tool more expensive? Not all dentists can afford this treatment and have the facilities or resources to do so. In addition, the process of making this tool also involves sophisticated digital technology.
3. Allergic reactions
For some people, the materials used to make this tool can trigger allergies. This allergic reaction can be different for everyone, from mild to severe.
Therefore, make sure you consult your dentist first before using this treatment.
4. Risk of breakage or damage
Even though it is made of 100 plastics, this tool can also break or even get damaged if not cared for properly. Usually the damage occurs because this tool is not cleaned regularly.
Well, if it's damaged, then this tool can't be repaired. This means, it costs you more to buy a new invisalign print.
5. It took longer
Because it is made of flexible plastic, the appeal of this tool is not as strong as when you wear braces. As a result, it may take you longer to wear invisalign than with regular braces.
The time needed can be even longer if you do not use this tool according to the doctor's instructions.
6. A little complicated to use
As previously explained, you must remove this tool when you are eating or drinking and then use it again afterwards. Before using it again, you are also required to clean your teeth first.
Not everyone can and is suitable to use this tool
Invisalign can be used to treat most dental structural and alignment problems. For example, such as messy teeth, crooked teeth, small teeth above, below, or there are gaps.
However, not all cases of tooth decay can be resolved by installing this tool. This tool is only effective for handling mild cases of tooth decay. For example, the teeth are too tight or a little loose, and overbite mild because the lower jaw does not align with the upper jaw.
For serious dental problems, this treatment may not produce the final appearance of braces.
Invisalign placement may not be effective for treating dental conditions such as:
- Too tight teeth more than 5 millimeters
- Tooth extrusion (the condition of the tooth that comes out of the alveolus and its roots following the crown of the tooth)
- The tip of the tooth is sharp more than 45 degrees
You must first check the condition of your teeth and see how effective the treatment is before using this tool.
If you are allowed to do this procedure, it may take about six months or a year to wear it. The length of this time actually depends on how the overall condition of your teeth is.
Preparation before using invisalign
Interested in using Invisalign? Eits, wait a minute! This treatment process begins with the selection of the right dentist. Not all dentists or orthodontists are certified invisalign fitting. So, make sure you find a certified and experienced doctor to install this dental jacket.
In the first session of the consultation, usually the doctor will thoroughly check the condition of your teeth, gums and oral cavity. While undergoing the examination, the doctor will ask about your medical history and habits in treating teeth.
Tell your doctor if you have a medical history such as diabetes, gum disease, and so on. Also tell about the drugs that you are regularly taking. Whether it's drugs with or without a prescription, dietary supplements, to herbal medicines.
X-rays of the teeth are needed so that the doctor can get a more detailed view of your oral cavity as well as your jawbone. From the X-ray results, the doctor will determine whether you are suitable for using this tool or not.
If the doctor judges you are suitable for using this tool, then the doctor will make a design for your dental care. This includes how much of this tool will be printed and how long you will have to undergo this treatment.
Invisalign maintenance guide
In order to get optimal results, here are some guidelines when using Invisalign that you need to pay attention to.
1. Time of use
This tool should at least be used for about 20 to 22 hours a day. The goal is of course so that this tool can work more optimally to tidy up your messy teeth. So, make sure you always use this tool when you are on the move or going out of the house.
You should only remove this appliance when eating, drinking hot or sugary drinks, and when cleaning your teeth. Instead, reduce the intake of coffee, which can make teeth and these tools change color.
2. Routinely replace Invisalign
During the treatment, the doctor will give several different invisalign prints. The number of molds that the doctor will give is adjusted to the condition of your teeth.
You can replace these tools yourself or with the help of a doctor. Ideally, this tool should be replaced every one to two weeks. Each new mold may feel a little different when used.
This is natural because each mold is designed to continuously shift and move the teeth. That way, your teeth will slowly be in a better position.
3. Should not be cleaned with toothpaste
Leftover food stuck in the teeth can make this tool turn yellowish color. This yellowish color can certainly interfere with appearance when used.
Apart from avoiding certain foods and drinks, you also have to clean this tool in a proper and correct way. Cleaning invisalign is good by brushing it with a clean toothbrush and antibacterial soap, then rinse with running water.
Do not clean your dental jacket with regular toothpaste. Even if you think it will be cleaner, toothpaste contains harsh ingredients that can scratch the plastic and cause a bad smell.
4. Must be diligent in cleaning teeth
Using invisalign requires you to pay attention to dental hygiene often. This tool makes it very easy for food to get caught in the teeth and get trapped in them.
If allowed, of course, will be a den of germs. So, for that you have to routinely clean your teeth twice a day, after eating and before going to bed. Make sure you brush your teeth with the right technique, yes.
We recommend that you immediately brush your teeth after every meal and use this tool again. Especially for lunch or snack time, just clean your teeth by rinsing and brushing your teeth without toothpaste.
In order for your teeth to be completely clean, you also need to do flossing tooth. Flossing Teeth is the technique of flossing the teeth. This method is quite effective at cleaning plaque and food debris stuck between the teeth.