Are you thinking about getting your teeth straightened? You may have dreamed of having a straighter smile since childhood. Or you might just have recently become self-conscious about your teeth shifting. Whatever has led you to this point, there’s more to consider when deciding on treatment than whether to get braces or clear aligners.
You also want to pick a dental office where you feel comfortable asking questions and exploring your options. Orthodontic treatment often requires multiple visits spread out over months or years. You’ll want appointments to be convenient and the office staff to be easy to communicate with.
If you live near Toronto’s Danforth Avenue, East York or Greektown neighbourhoods, you’ll have several dental offices to choose from near your home. Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign before making your appointment.
Get a Dental Assessment
Not all cases of crooked teeth or gaps between teeth are created equal. Simple alignment issues can sometimes be treated relatively easily. Others, like an improper bite between your top and bottom teeth, can be more complicated.
By having a dental assessment, you can get a picture of what’s going on with your teeth and bite before making a decision on how to correct it. Your dentist can check your gum health, screen for cavities, evaluate past dental work and take note of how your teeth fit together. They may take photos, X-rays or digital scans depending on your needs.
This is also an important step because getting your teeth straightened isn’t only for cosmetic purposes.
The dentist will also assess the health of the surrounding gums and tissues, and whether orthodontic treatment is suitable for you.
Factors such as existing crowns, bridges, implants or gum disease may impact your treatment plan. Some dental issues may need to be addressed before beginning tooth movement.
You should feel that you understand what the dentist discovered, what treatment options might be appropriate for you and whether you require any additional assessment or referrals.
Clear Aligners vs. Braces
What Makes Clear Aligners Different?
Traditional braces rely on brackets and wires fixed to the teeth. Clear aligners take a different approach.
Clear aligners use a series of removable plastic trays that help to move your teeth gradually based on your treatment plan.
One of the better-known clear aligner options is Invisalign. The trays are custom-made and worn according to a specific sequence, with adjustments or attachments added as needed throughout treatment.
The benefit is that you can remove them to eat and brush. You won’t have to worry about brackets getting in the way when you clean your teeth.
Removable doesn’t mean you can avoid wearing them! Aligners typically have to be worn for the majority of the day.
As with braces, not following the recommended schedule can prolong treatment. Make sure you follow the guidelines provided by your clinician.
They’re also much less noticeable than metal braces. However, they’re not completely invisible.
Depending on what attachments or other components you may require, these may still be visible when you smile.
Who Can Be Treated With Invisalign?
You might look at a before-and-after photo and wonder why you couldn’t get the same result with clear aligners.
Well, the truth is that not every case is suited to aligners. Crowding, spacing and some bite issues can be treated with clear aligners; however, there are times when other orthodontic treatments are recommended.
How much movement is required? Where do the teeth need to move? Gum health, other dental work and the ability to follow treatment instructions all play a role in what a clinician may suggest.
Perhaps someone has difficulty wearing removable trays consistently. They may be better off with fixed braces. Someone else may like the option of aligners because they want to be able to remove them for eating and brushing.
Neither option is automatically right for every case.
Your consultation should include what can and can’t be done for your specific situation. The limitations of each treatment option and what’s expected from you should also be discussed.
What Is Involved in Invisalign Treatment?
Once you decide to explore Invisalign treatment, your clinician will assess your teeth, bite and goals.
If Invisalign is suitable, the necessary dental records are taken to plan your tooth movements. Once the treatment plan is finalized, your series of custom aligners is produced.
You’ll receive instructions on what to do. You’ll be told when to wear your trays, when to change to the next set and when to return to the clinic to ensure you’re on track.
In some cases, tooth-coloured attachments are placed on certain teeth. These are little bumps that help the trays apply pressure in the intended direction. Other treatment components may be suggested based on your needs.
During treatment, your clinician will monitor how your teeth are moving and how well your aligners fit. Some patients require additional aligners or adjustments along the way.
Treatment time depends on the individual. How complex your bite is and how well you follow instructions for moving teeth, including wearing your aligners as directed, can impact your treatment time.
Consider asking how your treatment progress will be monitored and what happens if your teeth don’t move according to plan.
Living With Clear Aligners
There’s a routine you will need to follow once you get your clear aligners.
You’ll usually remove them to eat and drink anything besides plain water. Ask your clinician if they have any other instructions.
Brushing after you eat, before replacing your trays, is good practice. It helps prevent food and sugars from getting trapped against your teeth.
You should also keep your aligners clean. Follow the cleaning instructions provided by your clinician, and never leave them in hot water. High temperatures can warp the plastic trays.
When they’re not in your mouth, keep them in the case. It’s easy to forget a tray on the table wrapped in a napkin when you’re finished eating.
Some discomfort can occur when you first start a new set of trays. But if your aligner breaks, doesn’t fit or you experience ongoing discomfort, reach out to your dental provider.
Remember to keep up with regular dental exams and cleanings while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment as well.
Questions to Ask Before You Start Treatment
The consultation process is your opportunity to know what you’re getting into before your treatment begins.
Questions to ask:
- Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
- Would braces be better, or is there another treatment method that would work better?
- Who will be overseeing my treatment?
- How frequently will I need to visit the dentist?
- What should I do if an aligner is lost or broken?
- Will I need attachments or other components as part of my treatment?
- Does the estimated fee include all parts of the treatment?
- Do I have to wear retainers after my treatment?
Ask questions about how treatment may work around any restorations or other dental work you have had done or would like to have done in the future.
Never be afraid to ask the dentist to explain anything to you in everyday language. The more you know about the procedure, the easier it will be to choose what’s best for you.
Choosing a Danforth Dental Practice
When researching potential dental offices, take into consideration more than how they advertise their treatment options.
Think about the location of the practice, scheduling appointments and what services are offered. Also take note of how friendly and helpful the dentist and staff are when answering your questions.
If you know that you will be making many trips to your Danforth dentist, you don’t want to have to travel from across town every time you need to make a routine appointment. Choosing a practice that fits your lifestyle can make it easier to attend your progress reviews.
If you are looking for a new dentist in the Danforth area, you may want to ask the front office if they provide general dentistry in addition to offering Invisalign in Danforth consultations. Maintaining your general dental health is important before, during and after orthodontic treatment.
Many patients like to have the option of receiving preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry when they need these services as well.
For example, DentiSmile Dental Centre at 2315 Danforth Avenue in Toronto offers general and cosmetic dental services, including Invisalign consultations. Need to speak with someone about clear aligners? Contact the office and inquire about appointment scheduling and an assessment.
Don’t Forget About Retainers
Completing your final tray of aligners doesn’t automatically mean you’re done with your orthodontic care forever.
After treatment, teeth can shift towards their original positions. For that reason, retainers are commonly prescribed to help keep them in place.
Your clinician will instruct you on which retainer to wear, how frequently you should wear it and how to clean it.
Much like your teeth, retainers should stay clean. They’ll likely need to be replaced at some point too. Should yours become damaged, lost or develop a loose fit, reach out to your dental provider.
Retainers are an important topic to discuss before beginning treatment as well. That way you have an idea of what your long-term dental care routine will look like.
Making an Informed Decision
Invisalign can be a useful option for people interested in straightening their teeth without traditional braces. However, just because something is aesthetically pleasing doesn’t mean it’s right for your treatment.
Your oral health, bite alignment, daily routines, expectations and ability to follow your treatment plan are just a few factors that play into your decision.
Ask questions, review your options and know what you are getting yourself into. Also choose a dental practice that’s convenient for you and one where you feel comfortable talking to the staff. That way your experience should be easier to manage from your initial consultation all the way up to your final retainer.
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