If you’re thinking about joining the millions and millions of patients who have straightened their teeth with Invisalign, then it’s only natural to want to know as much as possible about life with braces beforehand. How long will it take to see results? Do you need to adjust your diet? Can you really take off your aligners anytime you want? Don’t worry – we’re sharing a few important things you should know before getting Invisalign right here.
1. The Average Treatment Timeline is 12-18 Months
Since traditional braces can take three years or more, you might expect that Invisalign will take equally as long. In reality, the average treatment timeline is much shorter! At your initial consultation, your dentist will assess the complexity of your case and the number of aligners that are needed in order to provide you with a rough estimate of the length of your treatment so you have a better idea of what to expect.
2. Wearing the Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day Is a Must
Although the clear aligners are removable, that doesn’t mean that you can take them off anytime you’d like. Instead, you need to make an intentional effort to wear them for at least 20 hours each day. For that reason, it’s best to get in the habit of only removing them to eat a meal, drink something other than water, or complete your oral hygiene regimen.
3. Any Soreness That Arises Is Temporary
In the hours following your transition to a new set of aligners, you can expect to feel some soreness. After all, your teeth are being moved into completely new positions! Don’t worry – the discomfort will fade as your teeth adjust, and you can take an OTC pain reliever to help in the meantime.
4. Invisalign Could Change Your Coffee Consumption
Fortunately, Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions. With that said, you can’t drink coffee (or any other dark-colored beverages) with your trays in. So, if you’re used to leisurely sipping on this caffeinated beverage throughout the day, you’ll need to adjust to drinking it alongside your breakfast or lunch instead.
About the Doctor
Growing up, Dr. Jeffrey Skupny saw how dentistry combined science and art as well as the opportunity to help others. So, when it came time to choose a career, he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a dentist! He attended both Florida State University and the University of Florida College of Dentistry for his studies, and he’s pursued continuing education ever since to stay at the forefront of his field. If you want to learn more about the Invisalign treatment process or life with clear aligners, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with him via his website or by phone at (239) 261-5566.