Whether you’re trying to make a new friend at a bar or interview for a better job, crooked teeth can make you feel so self-conscious that you struggle to put your best foot forward. Throughout Raleigh, NC and the rest of The Triangle, there are countless people with perfectly straight teeth, but you’d be hard-pressed to find an adult with braces. If you’re looking to straighten your teeth, Invisalign may be a good fit for you. Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
This treatment usually takes 12 to 18 months to provide satisfactory results. Several factors affect how long it will take for you to achieve your desired results, including the severity of your case. How many hours per day you wear your aligners also affects how long it will take for your teeth to straighten.
Ideally, you should wear them 20 to 22 hours per day. As a general rule, you should only take them out to eat or drink anything other than water. However, they also may be removed to play sports.
When Will I Start Seeing My Results?
Most people start to see their results just three weeks after they start treatment. We recommend taking a picture of your teeth before you put in your first set of trays. Then, take a new picture of your teeth every time you put in a new set of trays. Compare these photos side-by-side. By the time you put in your third set of trays, you should be able to tell that your teeth are straighter than they were before treatment.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign Treatment in Raleigh, NC?
This treatment may be right for you if you feel self-conscious about the alignment of your teeth. However, you’ll need to have an oral health expert evaluate your condition and discuss your health and lifestyle to find out for sure. For example, you may be considered a poor fit for this treatment if you have a particularly severe orthodontic problem. It is more likely that you will be considered a good fit for this treatment if you have cosmetic concerns about your teeth.
Your lifestyle may affect your candidacy if you are a smoker or play a contact sport. If you are a smoker, you will need to remove your aligner before smoking. Nicotine can stain your aligner, and there is a chance that the heat exposure can bend the aligner out of place, making it less effective. If you play a contact sport, you will need to remove your aligner while playing.
Depending on the severity of your unique case, you can generally expect to wear clear aligners for 12 to 18 months before your teeth are sufficiently straightened. Individual experiences also vary based on other factors, like how many hours a day you spend wearing the clear aligners. Contact us today at the office of Rebecca E Reeves DMD, PA to schedule an initial consultation and find out if Invisalign is a good fit for you.