If you’ve just started Invisalign treatment at Wisdom Dental in Leigh on sea Essex, congratulations! You’ve made a life-changing decision to improve your smile and will join thousands of other people who have had their confidence restored by straightening their teeth.

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Or perhaps you haven’t quite decided whether Invisalign is the perfect treatment choice. As with any treatment, it’s important to gather all the facts before proceeding – you need to be aware of its limitations and advantages. Here are some things you might not know about Invisalign in Essex to help you make an informed decision:

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See a Simulation of Your New Smile Before You Start Treatment

During your consultation at Wisdom Dental, we will take digital scans of your mouth. From these, we will create a 3D simulation of what your smile could look like after treatment. These digital scans offer a more accurate picture of your teeth than traditional methods. Plus, they make the creation of your aligners much easier – no messy, uncomfortable impressions required!

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We’ll also use these scans to plan your treatment, creating multiple aligners of varying sizes. You will switch them every two weeks throughout your treatment – as you do, they gradually move your teeth into the position outlined in your treatment plan.

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The change may cause some discomfort as your teeth adjust to the new aligners. We recommend changing them before bedtime, so you can sleep through the worst of it, and taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol if needed.

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Your Aligners Really Are Almost Invisible

One of the most popular features of Invisalign in Essex is its appearance – or lack thereof! Many people feel self-conscious about needing orthodontic treatment, and while traditional metal braces are effective, they are often noticeable.

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Invisalign is the ideal solution for people of all ages who want to straighten their teeth discreetly. Made from SmartTrack™ medical-grade plastic, the aligners are clear and almost completely undetectable when worn.

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Your Aligners Are Removable

In addition to being nearly invisible, your Invisalign aligners are also removable! This means you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck between brackets and wires. Plus, you can remove them to brush and floss your teeth.

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You can take out your Invisalign aligners for up to two hours per day for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, taking photos, playing sports, or anything else! Just make sure to put them back in properly and store them safely in between wear times.

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You Need to Wear Them for the Right Amount of Time Every Day​

Once you receive your Invisalign aligners, it’s crucial to wear them for at least 22 hours a day. This is essential for ensuring the success of your treatment – forgetting to wear them for the correct amount of time could delay your results.

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You Should Store Your Aligners Properly When You Remove Them

You will need to keep your aligners safe and clean when you aren’t wearing them. We’ll provide you with a plastic case to store your aligners in when you take them out for eating or drinking.

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Over time, you might forget to store them properly. Leaving them out can lead to bacteria buildup and may cause the plastic to warp or get damaged, so be sure to keep them in their case.

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Also, plastic aligners can be prone to staining. To maintain their clear, near-invisible appearance, make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after eating and drinking. Rinsing your aligners between wear times will also help prevent staining.

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Watch What You Drink… and Eat!

We know it might sound boring, but we recommend sticking to water when your Invisalign aligners are in. Your aligners are designed to move your teeth in very specific ways, and hot liquids like tea and coffee can warp the SmartTrack plastic, preventing them from doing their job.

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Double Down on Your Oral Hygiene Routine

If you’ve chosen Invisalign in Essex for its unique benefits, you’ll need to care for your clear aligners just as you do your teeth. When you remove them to brush and floss – which should be done twice a day, without fail – give your aligners a quick brush too. This will help keep them fresh and stain-free.

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Brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners, but wait about 30 minutes after eating, as brushing too soon can damage your enamel while it’s in a weakened state. If brushing isn’t possible, drinking water can help rinse away food particles and prevent them from getting caught in your aligners.

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Treatment Times Can Vary from Patient to Patient

Invisalign braces tend to straighten teeth in less time than traditional options. However, the length of your treatment depends on the severity of your misalignment.

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The average treatment time is around one year. However, it could take as little as six months or up to a year to see results from Invisalign.

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You Might Experience Some Discomfort

Many patients find Invisalign more comfortable than other orthodontic treatments. The smooth plastic aligners eliminate the risk of cutting your gums or tongue on sharp brackets and wires.

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Despite this, you might still experience some soreness or pressure as the aligners begin to move your teeth. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen are usually enough to manage this.

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Invisalign as a Retainer

Once your treatment is complete, you won’t use your Invisalign aligners as retainers. Instead, we will provide you with your own Invisalign Vivera retainers.

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These work similarly to your Invisalign aligners, consisting of a clear plastic mouthguard, which you should wear every night to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

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Where to Get Invisalign in Essex

You can find our state-of-the-art dental practice in Essex! We’re currently welcoming new patients and would love to help you transform your smile.

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Get in touch with our friendly team to book your free consultation today!