So you know you need some orthodontic help. Maybe you’d like to improve your smile. Perhaps you’ve been told you have TMJ and need corrective work to reduce the stress on your jaw. There are plenty of reasons why you may have decided it’s time to see an orthodontist.
Whatever the reason, everyone at Johnson Orthodontics is glad you’ve landed here! Led by Dr. Jonathan Johnson, our team takes pride in delivering the absolute best orthodontic care in and around Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and all of Sussex County.
Part of that care includes letting our patients in on the newest and best treatment options. And guess what? You might not have to mess with the hassle that comes with traditional brace! Read on to learn all about Invisalign, including five keys to creating a beautiful smile with Invisalign aligners.
What is Invisalign, anyway?
Great question! Invisalign is an advanced set of clear aligning trays that fit snugly over your teeth and gently move them into proper position. Much like traditional bracketed braces, they can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to render a full course of treatment.
Also like traditional braces, they are prescribed and administered by a trained orthodontist (or at least, they should be!).
While it might be true that any doctor or dentist could technically provide Invisalign treatment, the fact is that you’re much better off seeing a specialist like Dr. Jonathan Johnson of Johnson Orthodontics. He has the experience and offers the latest in cutting-edge imaging and 3D printing tech (so you get your devices fast!). He’s also a certified Invisalign expert, having been recognized as a Gold Invisalign Provider in 2020.
How does Invisalign work?
To start with, you’ll come into Johnson Orthodontics for a free consultation. Then, Dr. Johnson and our skilled team will leverage the latest imaging technology to take a detailed scan of your teeth and jaw, at which point he will determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Isn’t Invisalign only for mild cases?
Nope! While every smile is different, and there are cases in which traditional metal braces may be more appropriate, Invisalign is much more flexible than many think. It can be used to treat both moderate and complex cases.
Invisalign has been around for over 20 years. Thousands of case studies of missing teeth, extractions, surgery, corrections of bad bites, and more have been successfully treated with Invisalign!
I’m cleared for Invisalign: now what?
Now Dr. Johnson will print your first set of Invisalign trays, and your treatment can get started! He’s developed an individual treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome for your treatment. After about two weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners, making tiny micro-adjustments to your teeth, bringing them closer and closer to your perfect smile!
The process will repeat every 1-2 weeks for an average of 9-15 months, and then you’ll be finished! Without further ado, here are five tips to creating a beautiful smile with Invisalign!
#1 – Wear Your Aligners!
#1 – Wear Your Aligners! This may seem obvious, but since they’re removable, it’s up to you to wear your Invisalign trays faithfully. Dr. Johnson will instruct you to wear your Invisalign aligners 22 hours per day and only remove them for mealtime, cleaning, and any sports or extracurricular activities such as specific wind instruments.
#2 – Keep Your Appointments!
Just like with the first tip, it’s up to you to meet with Dr. Johnson regularly and receive your new trays. You won’t have to come in for every new aligner set, but you will have to follow the schedule he gives you. Keep it up!
#3 – Alleviate Discomfort From New Aligners
While everyone here at Johnson Orthodontics will work hard to ensure your Invisalign trays fit as comfortably as possible, some discomfort is possible as you adjust to your new fit. You can minimize this by avoiding crunchy foods when you notice discomfort. Switching to a new set of trays just before bedtime will allow your teeth to adjust to the new aligners while you sleep!
If necessary, you can always take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil, or ice your gums to help.
#4 – Hold On To Your Old Aligners
It’s usually best to keep your last set of aligners to wear if you lose or break your current set. That way, you’ll have something handy to fill in while you wait for a replacement set. The previous set will ensure your teeth aren’t free to shift back to their original positions while you wait.
#5 – Keep Up Great Oral Health Habits
This one should be obvious, but you’ll want to maintain healthy brushing and flossing habits. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that, unlike with traditional brackets, you won’t have to learn a new way to brush!
Follow these tips, and you will surely have a great experience with Invisalign!
What are you waiting for? Let’s get smiling!
What are you waiting for? Let’s get smiling! Thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about your options for orthodontic treatment! The team here at Johnson Orthodontics knows that motivated patients who take an active role in their treatment usually see the biggest success stories.
At Johnson Orthodontics, we’re humbled that you’ve named us Sussex County’s Best Orthodontic Practice in Coastal magazine. We believe we’ve earned that rating by being forthright, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing the best service possible.
Dr. Johnson is passionate about giving back to the community, and that includes the work he feels blessed to do at Johnson Orthodontics. So call for your free consultation today, and let’s find out if Invisalign is right for you!