INSURANCE BENEFITS BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. IF YOU DON’T USE IT, YOU LOSE IT! 
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Can Invisalign Be Faster Than Traditional Braces?
The speed of orthodontic treatment depends on the complexity of your case. Some patients with minor orthodontic issues can complete treatment in as little as six months with Invisalign, with improvements being visible in just a few weeks after wearing aligners, while others with more complex needs won’t finish their treatment for 1.5 to 2 years. The same can be true of traditional braces!
How Do These Systems Work?
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners that are comfortable, eliminate guesswork, and allow for more predictability in the orthodontic process. Aligners are changed every two or three weeks on average.
Traditional braces use wires and brackets to align teeth, and adjustments can be made, on average, every four to five weeks. This system is often used to treat more complex orthodontic cases, like severe misalignment or bite issues, which Invisalign is not designed to correct.
How To Easily Maintain Your Straight Smile During And After Invisalign And Braces
Getting a straight smile with braces or Invisalign is an exciting journey, but maintaining your results requires regular upkeep during and after treatment. To maintain your newly aligned smile, adhere to these important guidelines:
Continue To Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Just as cleaning around brackets and wires is important with braces, keeping your teeth and aligners clean during Invisalign treatment is also vital. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles, and ensure you brush twice and floss once daily. Invisalign patients should also brush their aligners and rinse them in lukewarm water.
Watch What You Eat: If you have Invisalign, you don’t have to avoid chewy, sticky, or hard foods the way that you should with traditional braces. That said, if you have any food residue in your mouth, ensure you brush your teeth thoroughly before wearing your aligners. For braces, it’s important to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet for the health of your smile. Avoid overconsumption of sugary foods as they can lead to plaque buildup around the brackets, which can lead to staining and even tooth decay in some cases.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Routine checkups during and after your Invisalign or braces treatment are essential to maintaining the health and alignment of your smile. Our dentist will monitor your development and address any problems.
Protect Your Smile During Physical Activity: It is crucial to protect your teeth when participating in sports or other physical activities, both during and after braces or Invisalign treatment. To protect your smile, wearing a fitted, professional sports mouthguard is a good preventive measure. Ask us about one!
Do you have questions about these orthodontic systems and whether one is a better option for your smile? Our friendly and skilled dental team is here to help. Call Dearborn Family Smiles today to take the first step toward achieving the smile you’ve always wanted!