If you always wanted straight teeth but the thought of wearing braces just doesn't appeal to you,
here is the solution for you, Invisalign aligners. Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners (retainers) that are completely removable if needed.
How is this possible? It is the latest in the state of the art technology that uses 3-D computer imaging to customize the retainers to move your teeth just like braces would. The aligners are changed about every 2 weeks so the discolorations of old porcelain brackets are a thing of the past as well as with metal brackets that keep most adults patients from having orthodontic treatment. You will also know exactly when your orthodontic treatment will be finished because the retainers are given to you in two week increments, this allows Dr. Klempner to know exactly when you will be finished, unless the retainers get lost or broken.
Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign, so be sure to come in for an evaluation to see if you could have straight teeth without braces.
A few good rules to live by with Invisalign aligners:
- always wash your hands before taking the aligners in and out of your mouth
- take only one aligner out at a time
- wear the aligners all the time except for during meals
- keep all scheduled appointments with Dr. Klempner to ensure treatment is going as planned
Putting aligners in
- You will know which is the upper and lower because there is a U printed on the upper aligner and a L on the lower aligner so there is no confusion.
- Be sure to put one aligner on at a time by applying pressure on each side where your molars are with your fingertips.
- Never bite your aligners into position because you may cause damage.
Removing aligners
- Removing aligners is very easy. In the beginning when you first receive a new aligner it may feel very tight when you go to take it off. Just put your fingers at the top of the aligners and pull down by the back molars and then slide the aligners off the front teeth and out of your mouth.
- For your own safety as well as for the safety of the aligners do not use anything sharp to take out the aligner.
Cleaning instructions
You should clean your aligners after each use or before you put them back into your mouth. Do not soak your appliance in Efferdent or mouthwash it could dull the plastic.
Oral Hygiene
- Do not eat with your aligners, always take them out before eating. Brushing your teeth after every meal becomes more important now, because your teeth will be covered up by the aligners all the time.
- Keep regular scheduled visits with your dentist for cleanings.
Invisalign® - Questions and Answers
Q. Will I be in a lot of pain?
A. When you receive each new aligner you may experience some soreness the first few days, this is normal. The soreness should go away quickly, if it doesn't be sure to call the office.
Q. Can I drink liquids with my aligners in?
A. You can wear the aligners while you are drinking cold drinks. You should avoid hot liquids. You change the aligners every two weeks so there should not be enough time for them to become very stained.
Q. What happens if the aligner gets broken or lost?
A. Call the office right away. You may be able to go directly into the next aligner or it may be necessary to wear the previous aligner until a new one can be made.
Q. Will my speech be affected by the aligners?
A. In the beginning when you first get your aligners you may experience a slight lisp. This usually will go away as soon as you are comfortable with your retainers.
Q. Is there anything I can't eat?
A. No, you are taking the aligners out of your mouth during meal times, so there is no need to restrict your eating habits. However, we do not recommend chewing gum with your aligners because the gum will stick to the aligners.
Q. Can I smoke with the aligners in my mouth?
A. Yes, the aligners are changed every two weeks so there should not be enough time for them to become very stained.
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coolsmiles orthodontics
orthodontists
leon klempner, dds
david amram, dmd
medford office
1645 route 112, suite b
medford, ny 11763
631.289.0909
port jefferson office
656 main street
port jefferson, ny 11777
631.928.9800
We have two offices located in Medford, NY and Port Jefferson, NY - conveniently serving Suffolk County and the surrounding areas of Stony Brook NY, Setauket NY, St James NY, Lake Grove NY, Smithtown NY, Centereach NY, Sound Beach NY, Lake Ronkonkoma NY, Rocky Point NY, Shorham NY, Wading River NY, Holbrook NY, Bellport NY, Holtsville NY, Bayport NY, East Patchogue NY, Sayville NY, Southhaven NY, Yaphank NY, Brookhaven NY, Mount Sinai NY, Miller Place NY, and Patchogue NY.