Invisalign® is the brand of nearly invisible aligners we can use to straighten your teeth. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed of your smile, request an appointment with our dentist in Grand Rapids, MI.
But how long will you have to wear Invisalign to get the smile you deserve? The length of your treatment will depend on many factors, including how consistently you wear your teeth aligners and the severity of your case. In general, though, the average patient can straighten teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months. Since Invisalign is removable, you’ll need to have enough self-discipline to wear them between 20 and 22 hours a day.
Does that sound like a long or short time to you? It depends on the patient. If you’re unsure about moving forward, you can speak with Dr. Adam Piotrowski to determine if you’d be a good candidate for Invisalign.
What Happens If You Only Wear Invisalign at Night?
Some dental devices, like night guards, are made to only be worn at night. Invisalign, on the other hand, is meant to be worn all day. No matter if your case is minor or severe, you still need to wear your Invisalign braces at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
Only wearing your aligners at night means that your teeth won’t move according to schedule. While you may feel some slight discomfort when you first wear Invisalign, it’s important to persevere and continue wearing your aligners as directed by Dr. Piotrowski.
Can I Eat or Drink While Wearing Invisalign?
No, you can’t eat or drink anything other than water while wearing Invisalign.
Don’t worry, though. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign braces are removable. You can simply remove them from your mouth before indulging in all of your favorite foods and drinks. You can even eat foods that are hard to chew, like caramel, that you’d have to stay away from with traditional braces.
Just remember to brush your teeth after eating so you don’t stain your Invisalign clear aligners. And don’t forget to put your aligners back on after you’ve finished eating.
Will I Need to Wear a Retainer Forever?
Once you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, we can understand the reluctance you may feel to wear yet another oral appliance. (We promise we’re not trying to torture you.) However, it’s important that you to maintain the progress you’ve made. Otherwise, your teeth will gradually shift back to their original positions.
While you may not see your teeth moving at first, the changes become more noticeable over time. For example, your retainer may feel tight and uncomfortable if you haven’t worn it for a few days. Your retainers will fit for as long as you consistently wear them.
It’s normal for your teeth to shift slightly once you stop wearing Invisalign braces. This is the result of everyday wear and tear on your teeth as you bite down, chew, swallow, and speak. The retainer is designed to prevent noticeable changes so you can maintain your new smile.
Get Started with Invisalign
The sooner you get started with Invisalign, the sooner you’ll have the beautiful new smile you deserve. Dr. Piotrowski is a Grand Rapids, MI, Invisalign dentist who can help you achieve a straighter smile with Invisalign. To request an appointment, call Precision Family Dental at (616) 949-1570, or contact us online.
This blog post has been updated.