How Long Does Invisalign Take?

To Straighten or Not to Straighten

The choice has been made! You've committed to get braces for yourself or your child. You've either chosen to do it for cosmetic purposes or you've been referred to an orthodontist by a dentist.

Making the choice to get your teeth straightened is not an easy one. It's a big financial and time commitment, but the boost in self-confidence is worth it. You'll feel it when you see that beautiful smile in the mirror or in your child's face!

Why Invisalign?

The next step is choosing Invisalign. Invisalign is a great choice for business professionals, not wanting to detract from their first impression and the absolute best choice for teens. Being a teenager is hard enough without having to worry about what you can or cannot eat or getting food stuck in your metal braces. With Invisalign Teen Stafford, no one will even notice you're having your teeth straightened. But how long is this commitment?

How Long Should Someone Wear a Retainer After Their Braces Are Removed?

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The answer is not simple. Treatment time for Invisalign can take between nine and eighteen months, with some extreme cases taking longer and simpler cases taking as little as a few months. Just like traditional braces, the treatment time for Invisalign depends on the patient. At Beecroft Orthodontics in Stafford, the experienced orthodontics team will monitor your Invisalign treatment every step of the way to make sure everything is going smoothly and the results are exactly as expected.

The top notch team at Beecroft Orthodontics will be able to tell you approximately how long your treatment will take from the very beginning.

Invisalign aligners are ordered at the beginning of treatment and changed every two weeks. As a patient, you will be visiting the office every four to eight weeks in order for the orthodontics team to track your progress. If there are any changes to the timeline, our medical team at Beecroft will let you know immediately.

Will My Treatment Take Longer If I'm a Teen?

Chances are you found our office through a referral, or maybe you just typed in “pediatric dentists near me” or “Invisalign Teen Stafford” and ours was one of the first orthodontics offices that popped up from your favorite search engine.

No matter how you found us, you lucked out. Beecroft Orthodontics has some of the most comprehensive and up to date knowledge when it comes to treating teens with Invisalign.

Teenagers sometimes do require longer treatments. That is because treatments are designed to work with teens who are still growing and developing bones and jaws. This process cannot be rushed, but often offers more stunning and long lasting results.

The team at Beecroft should be able to answer all of the questions you have about your particular case.

Can I Speed Up My Treatment?

There are definitely things a patient can do to ensure Invisalign is working as it should. Aligners need to be worn between twenty and twenty-two hours every day. The aligner should only be removed for cleaning and eating. Wearing the aligner for less than the allotted amount of time can significantly slow down progress.

If the aligner is not worn enough during the two weeks, the patient might not be able to move on to the next aligner. Every time this happens, a patient is only extending the amount of time for his or her treatment.

Patients need to take the time to follow the weekly instructions. More than most treatments, Invisalign is a partnership between the Doctor and the patient!

It’s also possible to use something called Invisalign AcceleDent to try to speed up this process. This is a machine that causes the aligner tray to vibrate, which helps quicken bone realignment. Some patients claim this cut their Invisalign treatment time in half. Only your orthodontist can tell you if this is an option for you.

How do I Know if Invisalign is Working?

Patients often feel much less discomfort with Invisalign than with traditional braces. This discomfort usually occurs when the patient first changes aligners. After the first few days of tightness, the discomfort dissipates, leaving the patient wondering if the treatment is really working.

Invisalign is a multi-step process that moves the teeth and then holds them steady in order to move on to the next aligner. Invisalign is definitely working if the aligner started out tight and now seems to fit better, even if you don't see a difference. The process works by moving teeth just a few millimeters at a time.

Will I Have to Wear a Retainer Forever?

Without a retainer, straightened teeth tend to shift around over time. A retainer helps prevent that from happening. You won't have to wear a retainer all of the time, or even as often as you wore your aligners. The orthodontist will order you a retainer at the end of your treatment to ensure that it will hold your teeth in the optimum position.

Make Sure All your Questions are Answered

Beecroft Orthodontics prides itself on being transparent and supportive. We want to make sure all of our patients are comfortable with all aspects of treatment. You should not hesitate to come in for a consultation with as many questions as you can think of.

It helps to write your questions about the amount of time treatment will take down, so that you don't get sidetracked with other information. It's also a good practice to take notes on what the orthodontist tells you so that you can consider it later and come back with follow-up questions.

Here are a few frequently asked questions about the length of Invisalign treatment:

• How long does Invisalign take?

• Are there any specific problems you foresee that might lengthen the amount of time my treatment takes?

• Is AcceleDent an option for me at this time?

• Are there any additional things I should know about my treatment?

The Beecroft Orthodontics team is absolutely committed to providing the best orthodontic care for your situation. Make a decision that is sure to make you smile; come in for your consultation today!

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

How is Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?

Moms, have you made the decision to get you or your son or daughter’s teeth straightened? Have you typed “Dentists Near Me” into your favorite search engine, attended an appointment and gotten a recommendation for orthodontics? Have you erased that “Dentists Near Me” search and entered “Orthodontists Near Me,” and found Invisalign Teen Stafford or Invisalign King George? If so, you probably have many questions about what to expect from your consultation. Undoubtedly, two of those questions in the back of your mind are these: should I get Invisalign aligners, and how is Invisalign different from traditional braces?

What Are Traditional Braces?

• Regular braces are made of metal (usually silver) brackets and wires. They are glued directly onto the patient’s teeth and tightened using wires and small rubber bands.

• The default color of the wires is silver, but enamel color is available at an additional cost.

• Once the braces are installed they can only be removed by an orthodontist, and only at the end of the treatment.

• Treatment time is an average of two to three years, depending on a number of factors determined by the orthodontist.

• Daily maintenance is required. The brackets and wires that make up traditional braces can be brushed along with your teeth, but additional tools like floss and a water pick are helpful to dislodge stray food particles from the metal.

• Follow-up visits are required monthly. Every four to five weeks you will have to go back to the orthodontist for cleaning, inspection, and to have the brackets adjusted.

• Follow-up: Individuals who use traditional braces have to continue to use a removable retainer, but hopefully only at night or on an as needed basis.

What are Invisalign Aligners?

• The Invisalign system uses advanced 3D computer imagining technology and X-rays to identify the ideal position of the aligner in the patient’s mouth. Each aligner is built custom made for your teeth!

• Invisalign aligners are not semi-permanently attached to the teeth. They are made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free clear plastic that will not irritate the patient’s tongue, cheeks, or gums. The person wearing them can remove them at any time!

• The treatment time period is less. Some patients only need to use them for twenty-two to twenty-four hours a day for six months, while others require closer to eighteen months.

• Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are completely transparent. As the name implies, they are invisible!

• Maintenance is simple. The aligners come with the Invisalign Cleaning system and can also be cleaned using brushing and rinsing trays with lukewarm water.

• Follow-ups with your orthodontist are on a similar time schedule with traditional braces: every four to six weeks. In addition, aligner trays must be changed every two weeks.

• After the treatment is complete, a positioner or retainer will likely be required. The patient may only be required to wear one while they are asleep.

FAQ: An Orthodontic Specialist | Beecroft Orthodontics | An Orthodontist in Fredericksburg, VA

How is Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?

Both traditional braces and Invisalign aligners achieve the same goals: bite issues are resolved, and teeth are straightened and aligned to ideal positions for both proper use and the best look. They differ in their means – in how they achieve that goal. The patient’s task is to determine if the advantages of Invisalign outweigh the disadvantages of traditional braces. Invisalign differs from traditional braces in the following ways:

The Pros

• Aligners are not permanent! They can be removed as needed by the patient. This is an important benefit because it means that the patient is not restricted by their orthodontics. Brushing their teeth is as easy as ever. Teenagers playing contact sports do not have to worry about forgetting their mouth guard and causing damage, or about eating incorrect food. Prom and yearbook photos are not ruined by metal wires. You can eat anything you want when you remove the Invisalign aligners, including licorice, popcorn, ice, caramel, gum, nuts, carrots, apples, and corn on the cob.

• Invisalign is invisible! Invisalign is superior over traditional braces for the anxious teenager and the self-conscious adult. You are smiling before and after the treatment, so you should get to smile at it as well!

• Invisalign is comfortable! Traditional braces can sometimes cause sores on the insides of the cheeks and, in extreme cases, even a small abrasion to the tongue or inside of the lips. The teeth are sore, especially after the orthodontist tightens the brackets that move them. Although saltwater, pain relievers, and wax over any sharp parts can help, with Invisalign the mouth is not irritated by the metal or adhesives, and speech is not impaired.

The Cons

• Braces are better for more complex issues. Adjusting someone’s bridgework, back teeth, rotating canines or bite is more difficult with Invisalign.

• Self-discipline is critical! When braces are glued to the teeth there is no chance that they will be lost. You or your child may forget to put them back in after eating or brushing.

• Insurance issues. Most dental plans cover orthodontic treatment, but because Invisalign is new compared to traditional braces, it is possible that your insurance may not cover it yet.

• Additional maintenance. If you have traditional braces you can brush your teeth twice a day as normal. Invisalign users must clean their teeth after every meal to avoid staining.

• Traditional braces are still cheaper then Invisalign aligners.

Are you ready to get the smile you or your teenager have always wanted without having to hide the one you have now? Join the other one million patients who have enjoyed Invisalign since 2000. The Beecroft Orthodontics teams of Invisalign Teen Stafford and Invisalign King George will give you the best Invisalign treatment around! Call for a consultation today!

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

How is Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?

Is An Alcohol-Free, Sugar-Free Breath Spray Okay To Use With Invisalign?

Bad breath is a problem plaguing a lot of people. This is acquired from a bad oral hygiene however it is also possible to have a bad breath even if you follow proper dental practices. Having your children to wear orthodontic braces or Invisalign Fredericksburg will not solve the bad breath problem. In fact, wearing braces all the time can sometimes worsen the problem of bad breath. Children are often lazy brushing their teeth two times a day. As it is more convenient to remove Fredericksburg Invisalign, you will think of a simpler option to help your child out –breath spray. Is an alcohol-free, sugar-free breath spray okay to use with Invisalign? The answer is, yes.

There can be a serious underlying cause behind your child’s bad breath. Before you think, “should I consult a pediatric orthodontist near me,” here are some things you need to know:

Why Should Sugar Be Avoided In Sprays?

In children, the number one reason for cavities is sugar. Even though the saliva in your mouth breaks down the sugar and aids in digestion, sugar is still something you should ensure that your child stays away from. Often, sugar would get trapped under your child’s Fredericksburg Invisalign or orthodontic braces and if saliva can’t reach it, it could cause problems. The reason for avoiding sugar in the spray is simply for caution. When sugar hides in the unreachable areas of your child’s mouth, instead of aiding in digestion, it will slowly break down your child’s tooth enamel.

Where Can You Get Sugar-Free Sprays?

Before you think about things like “I should consult a pediatric orthodontist near me,” you should consider asking the local chemist for help. Sugar-free sprays are pretty common these days and it shouldn't be difficult for you to look for one. It should, however, be mentioned that the sugar-free nature of the spray would greatly affect the taste. Sugar is added only to the spray so it improves the taste. If your child is finicky about sugar, like most other children in the world, a sugar-free spray might be a difficult choice for you.

Why Should Alcohol Be Avoided In Sprays?

If you are a drinker, you know that after a night of drinking heavily, you get an awful breath in the morning. The reason – alcohol causes bad breath. Alcohol works by naturally drying the mouth and reducing the production of saliva. Saliva is important for keeping the bacteria inside the mouth in check and alcohol spray would cause these bacteria to thrive. This is why alcohol sprays would, in fact, lead to bad breath instead of helping avoid it. When your child is wearing aligners, trapped alcohol will become a problem as it will allow the bacteria to multiply until Invisalign Fredericksburg is removed and cleaned.

Where Can You Get Alcohol-Free Sprays?

You need to choose a spray that is both sugar-free and alcohol-free. If you cannot find anything at your local pharmacy, you can try search from online websites. Type what you are looking for in the search engine and choose from the available results. Always read the reviews of the spray before you decide to buy it. Look for something that is small enough to fit in your child’s bag. It should be easy to carry to school. You can also ask your pediatric orthodontist for some recommendations regarding sugar and alcohol-free breath sprays.

FAQ: How Often Must I Wear My Invisalign Aligners? Orthodontist in Fredericksburg, VA

Are There Any Alternatives To Breath Sprays?

There are many alternatives to sprays and they are following:

• Drink More Water – Drinking water all day long is necessary to keep one hydrated and not give the bacteria any time to settle down. It also helps the mouth to produce more saliva and avoid any bad breath. A lot of people have a habit of drinking water every time they have consumed something.

• Use a Tongue Cleaner – Does your child clean their tongue? A thin film of debris can collect on the tongue and cause severe bad breath. A tongue cleaner can help to clean the tongue every day and keep bad breath at bay. In fact, if you don’t want to buy a separate tongue cleaner, you can teach your child how to use the toothbrush to clean the tongue.

• Brush Twice a Day – When you are wearing aligners, it is difficult to look towards the bright side of brushing. However, there is one thing that can be done – clean the aligners. Every time your child brushes his or her teeth, they also need to clean the aligners. This would ensure the aligners from being infested with bacteria, no plaque collects on them, and they don’t start yellowing. Set a routine for brushing and remind your child about its benefits.

• Floss – Food can get stuck between the teeth and at the back of the mouth that brush cannot reach. As this food stays there, it begins to decay and causes an awful halitosis. Flossing regularly would ensure that the food particles are removed from where they are stuck.

When Is It Time To Consult A Pediatric Orthodontist?

When your child wakes up in the morning, some amount of sourness in breath is to be expected. However, if bad breath persists all through the day and sprays simply aren't helping; there are some instances when you should consult your pediatric orthodontist.

• Adenoids, Allergies, Sinus Infections and Colds – When the nasal passage is blocked because of these problems, bad breath can persist throughout the day and you should see your pediatric orthodontist.

• Thumb Sucking – If your child has a habit of sucking their thumb or sucking the blanket, it can lead to dryness in the mouth. This would make the bacteria to thrive and cause bad breath.

If you are still unsure about using sugar and alcohol-free sprays, contact Beecroft Orthodontics for your child. Don’t ignore the problem and call now for a complimentary consultation regarding Invisalign or any other orthodontic issue of your child.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

Is Alcohol-free, Sugar-free Breath Spray Okay to Use with Invisalign?