Despite what Hollywood movies and reality TV tell us, not everyone has that perfectly straight smile, in fact most patients have crooked teeth or an overbite to some degree or another. But there are ways to straighten out those troublesome teeth and Invisalign braces at a St John’s Wood practice is one such option.
What are these braces and how are they used?
If you’re unfamiliar with this treatment then don’t worry, it’s fairly simple to explain.
It’s basically a small see-through brace that your dentist will place over the crooked teeth that you would like to straighten. Then, over time, these plastic appliances will slowly realign these troublesome gnashers into a neater and straighter looking position, through the application of a gentle amount of pressure.
Depending on the amount of realignment required you may also have to wear additional braces as your treatment progresses. This is to ensure that your teeth are being continually pushed in the right direction, as any incorrectly fitted mouthguard may interrupt the process, or not produce the results you originally wanted.
Is the procedure painful?
Although this treatment is non-invasive as it involves 3D scanning technology to make impressions, there may be some mild discomfort during the realignment. Patients have described this feeling as ‘pressure’ on their teeth, this is because they’re being forcibly moved into new positions.
To counter this, the general recommendation from dentists is to use over-the-counter painkillers whenever the discomfort becomes a little too much. You can also take out your brace for a break, but try to limit this to, at most, two hours – as any extended breaks may negatively impact your realignment process.
How the braces can benefit you
Aside from giving you straighter teeth, these see-through mouthguards also have a few other interesting advantages.
First and foremost they’re made from a clear plastic, which makes them very hard to spot when you’re wearing them, this can be a great confidence booster for patients that might feel self-conscious.
Another benefit is that they are very easy to maintain. To keep your mouthguard clean your dentist may recommend that you clean it at least once every other day with a diluted mixture, scrubbed lightly against it with a toothbrush. Regular cleaning helps to reduce staining, clear out tartar and calcium build up, as well as kill any harmful bacteria that might be present.
After cleaning it you should always store the appliance in a hard bodied container to dry. This will keep it sterile and out of harm’s way from any potential accidents or damage that could happen to it.
How long do they last?
Generally these clear braces are pretty sturdy and can last you throughout the course of your treatment with the correct amount of care and maintenance. If you’re concerned at any point about the state of your aligner then just contact your dental practice for a replacement.
So as you can see, it’s a non-invasive treatment that can help you have a straighter smile you will love showing off. For further information, get in contact with your local practice to discuss your options for realignment.
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