Invisalign can be just what you need if you want a straighter smile. This treatment can help subtly correct your smile. However, you might worry if you can still get Invisalign if you lose a tooth, whether you take a fall or have a severe cavity.
Missing teeth aren’t the end of the world if you’re interested in Invisalign. You can still receive this treatment if you’re deciding how to replace a missing tooth. However, your dentist must assess your teeth and gums to determine your treatment eligibility.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses transparent, plastic aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and can be easily removed for eating and brushing. These aligners are custom-made for each patient and gradually shift the teeth into the desired position.
Invisalign can help treat many dental problems, including:
How Does Invisalign Work?
Like traditional braces, you wear Invisalign for almost the entire day as they gradually shift your teeth into place. You can remove Invisalign when you need to eat or brush your teeth, which can help you keep your aligners clean.
After a couple of weeks, you’ll switch to another pair of aligners to continue moving your teeth until you reach your desired results. Because every patient’s smile is unique, treatment length can vary—it depends on the severity of the diagnosed dental problem.
There are several benefits to Invisalign over traditional braces, including:
- Removable, easy-to-clean aligners
- There is no need to avoid certain foods
- No risk of broken wires and brackets
- Less noticeable aligners
While Invisalign has many benefits, it may not be right for everyone. During a dental exam, your dentist can help determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Can You Get Invisalign with Missing Teeth?
Many people assume that Invisalign is only an option for those with a complete set of teeth, but this is far from the truth. It’s possible to receive Invisalign treatment even if you have missing teeth. Your eligibility for Invisalign with missing teeth depends on how you lost your teeth.
Tooth decay is a common cause of missing teeth, and bacteria can spread throughout your gums. Your dentist must assess your teeth and gums before you get Invisalign. If you’re looking to replace a missing tooth, your dentist can recommend whether you use Invisalign before or after replacing the tooth.
What Can You Expect During the Invisalign Process?
The Invisalign treatment process begins with a dental exam. During this initial appointment, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and take x-rays and impressions to create a 3D digital model of your mouth. Based on this model, they create a custom treatment plan to improve your smile.
You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks before switching to the next set. Your dentist will also schedule periodic check-ups to make sure that treatment progresses as planned. Treatment time can vary depending on the severity of the case, but most patients can expect to see their desired results in 12–18 months.
Once the final set of aligners is complete, the Invisalign treatment process is finished, and you can enjoy a straighter smile.
Taking Care of Invisalign
Invisalign can help straighten teeth without traditional braces. While you don’t need to navigate brackets and wires, maintaining Invisalign requires some effort.
Take care of your aligners with the following tips:
- Keep your aligners in as much as possible: You need to wear your aligners almost all the time (20–22 hours a day) for effective treatment. Sleep with your aligners—only remove them to eat, drink, or brush your teeth.
- Don’t eat or drink with Invisalign in: Food and drinks can stain your aligners or get food stuck inside. Remove your aligners before you have a meal to avoid stains. The only drink you have wearing Invisalign is water.
- Don’t smoke while wearing your aligners: Avoid smoking with your aligners in because it can stain them. You should ideally quit smoking for your health, but remove your aligners if necessary before you smoke and clean your teeth before wearing them again.
- Clean your aligners: You wear Invisalign aligners every day, so make sure you clean them frequently. Brush and rinse your aligners with lukewarm water, especially before you wear your aligners again after having them out.
- Avoid staining your aligners: Remove your aligners before you eat or drink anything besides water. Rinse your mouth before wearing them after a meal to avoid residue staining them.
Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign
Everyone deserves a smile they’re happy with. Invisalign can help straighten your smile, but speak with your dentist first—they can determine your eligibility. This treatment can help you achieve your desired results without needing traditional braces. Contact Arch King West Dental if you’re interested in Invisalign. We can help you determine whether it is right for your dental needs.
