Your Invisalign Checklist
Starting Invisalign treatment is an exciting step towards achieving a straighter, more confident smile. After your first consultation with Dr. Schmahl, Powers, or Xofylli, our job is to translate the 3D scan and personalized treatment plan into reality. Our orthodontists work up your case on the computer, ensuring your treatment is crafted specifically for your smile and ensures every tooth movement is healthy, stable, and esthetic.
Based on this plan, a series of custom-made clear aligners will be created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a comfortable, smooth plastic material that fits over your teeth and gradually shifts them into the desired position. You will wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series.
There are a few tips that will ensure your time with Leap is smooth, enjoyable, and successful. Here is your Invisalign Checklist:
Embrace the Clean Teeth Club - Brush and floss like a pro! While wearing aligners, food particles can stick easily and are held very closely against your teeth by your aligners. This can allow plaque and bacteria to thrive and do the damage that leads to cavities. We do not want you to have straight teeth, but many cavities! We want your teeth to be straight AND healthy.
Develop a Habit - Get into the habit of wearing your aligners all day, every day! Set a reminder on your phone to remind you to put your aligners back in after eating or brushing. The magic number for effective tooth movement is 20-22 hours of wear a day. Remember, the more you wear them, the sooner you'll see the results.
Keep the Funky Smells Away - Just like your teeth, your aligners need to be cleaned too! Plaque and bacteria can build up on them, causing some funky smells. Keep them fresh by brushing them with hand soap or water regularly. Don’t use toothpaste - it contains an abrasive that will scratch your aligners and make them less clear. Also, remember that foods such as tomatoes, turmeric, coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your teeth and your aligners easily.
Stay on Track with Regular Appointments - Keep your eyes on the prize and stay on track with your progress by coming in for regular appointments with us at Leap Orthodontics. We'll keep a close eye on your progress and make any necessary adjustments to keep you on track to your dream smile.
While every patient's experience is unique, most people begin to see noticeable improvements in the alignment of their teeth within the first few months of treatment. With consistent use of the aligners, you can expect to achieve your desired results within about 12 to 18 months.
The day you get your Invisalign aligners is very exciting but can also involve some anxiety. At Leap Orthodontics, we make sure to describe and walk you through each step of your Invisalign treatment. We want your experience to be as perfect as your new smile! Call us today to see your new smile after aligner treatment at Leap Orthodontics!
At your first visit we add attachments to your teeth, which are small tooth-colored bumps made of composite resin that are temporarily attached to your teeth during your Invisalign treatment. They help to give the aligners a better grip on your teeth, allowing them to apply the necessary force to move your teeth into their perfect position more effectively.
Our Leap staff will also teach you about your aligners, from removing them, learning how to clean and take care of them, how often to wear them, and when to change them. One of the benefits of Invisalign treatment is that the aligners are virtually invisible, so most people won't even know you're wearing them. They are also removable, so you can continue to eat your favorite foods and brush and floss your teeth normally.
