As we recently passed the first COVID-versary, the team here at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics has been thinking a lot about all the challenges and triumphs we’ve seen over the last year. We’re so proud of the way our communities have pulled together and how resilient our patients have been! We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about staying safe and healthy with Invisalign aligners during COVID-19!
One thing that’s stood out to us, however, is how difficult it’s been to carve out time for self-care the last several months, even when most of us have been sticking closer to home than ever before. In times like these, it’s common to reflect on what’s really important to you, from your friends and family to your career and health.
If you’d been planning your orthodontic journey before 2020 hit, but had to put it on the back burner when things got crazy, we understand. It looks like better days are ahead of us at last, which makes now the perfect time to make the beautiful smile you’ve been waiting for a reality. That’s where we can help!
Our expert team is proud to offer a variety of affordable treatment options to help improve your oral health and straighten your teeth. These include Damon braces, Damon Clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign has actually increased in popularity during the last year thanks to innovative features that have a distinct advantage during a pandemic.
If you’re finally ready to get started on the confident smile you deserve, Invisalign could be exactly what you’re looking for! Keep reading below to learn more about what this exciting system has to offer.
Invisalign fits your lifestyle
Traditional braces are a fixed orthodontic appliance, and as such, they come with a bit of a learning curve. Patients have things like food restrictions, a more complex cleaning routine, and adjustment appointments to get used to. Although the results are more than worth it, braces take some getting used to!
The Invisalign system uses removable aligners, so there’s no need to change your daily habits. You’ll still be able to eat and drink all the same things, participate in sports without taking any extra precautions, and continue to live your life in much the same way you did before beginning the treatment process.
Many people won’t even realize you’re in the process of straightening your smile, thanks to the clear material Invisalign uses! This is a big benefit for teen and adult patients who are image-conscious, as it provides them with a much more discrete way to straighten their teeth. If that sounds like you, Invisalign could be the perfect solution for your smile!
Invisalign aligners are durable but comfortable
After a year of working, learning, and lounging at home, some of us don’t even remember what it’s like to wear pants that have a zipper. Needless to say, comfort is high up on our list of must-haves! Fortunately, this is another area where Invisalign stands out. Each aligner is made of a smooth thermoplastic material and customized to fit firmly but comfortably over your teeth. With no sharp or protruding edges to rub against your cheeks or gums, you’ll be used to wearing your new aligners before you know it!
Aligners are also much less likely to result in an orthodontic emergency. Instead of brackets and wires that can bend or break, the Invisalign aligners all one piece. The trays are durable and long-lasting, although they’re not indestructible. If you don’t care for them properly, the aligners may be prone to cracking, tearing, or breaking.
Some damaged aligners can still be worn until it’s time to switch, but we may need to make a replacement for you or have you move on to the next aligner a little early. If you do damage or lose an aligner, you should let us know as soon as possible so our doctors can advise you on what to do.
Invisalign is convenient and easy to manage
As different as they are, braces and aligners actually work in the same way. Both use an orthodontic appliance to put gentle pressure on the teeth, moving them into more desirable positions over time. There is one big difference, though!
To produce the kind of force needed to move the teeth, aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours every day and switched out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movement of the teeth, and it’s your responsibility to keep up with that schedule. When you stick to these guidelines, aligners can work just as well as braces at correcting many of the most common orthodontic issues.
We usually provide our patients with several weeks’ worth of aligners at a time, which was convenient when we were dealing with temporary closings and stay-at-home orders! Even now, we’re happy to arrange curbside pick-up for the next set of aligners if the current ones run out. Patients with questions can also choose to set up a virtual appointment to speak with one of our doctors and discuss their concerns if they’d rather not enter the office. These options mean every patient can feel safe and cared for while we keep their treatment plan progressing as it should be.
Invisalign aligners are simple to care for
It can be tempting to toss your aligners onto the nearest surface when you remove them, but you should always place aligners in a sealed container or leave them to soak in a cleaning solution when they’re not in your mouth. This protects them from germs and also prevents you from accidentally throwing them away, something that happens more often than you might think! Once you’re done eating or your teeth are brushed and flossed, wash your hands again and rinse your aligner well before putting it back in your mouth. That’s all there is to it!
Your best smile is waiting at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics
We may not be through with this pandemic just yet, but with hope on the horizon, you don’t need to waste another minute feeling self-conscious about the way your teeth look or feel! Invisalign can help improve your oral health and straighten your teeth safely and effectively. Have you ever wondered if your smile is a good fit for clear aligners? Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation at one of our four conveniently located offices and find out for sure!
