If you’ve been looking forward to straightening your teeth, COVID doesn’t have to stand in the way. But with all the appointments involved with braces, how can you find a way to begin orthodontic treatment during this difficult time? The answer could be Invisalign – a way to straighten at home, and on your schedule, with fewer professional appointments needed.
We’re all looking for ways to stay safe and healthy as we enter the third year of the pandemic. Small adjustments to daily life help keep you from confronting coronavirus – and orthodontic treatment is no different. Invisalign has many unique advantages over braces, and several of those align with best COVID practices. If you’ve been putting off orthodontic treatment due to these stressful times, learning more about Invisalign could be the right step.
Our Invisalign patients have been able to stay on track with treatment even during this uncertain period. This is because Invisalign offers the following benefits:
With traditional metal braces, you’ll need to visit the office every month to have your wires changed and progress monitored. Invisalign works differently, with a series of different clear aligners. Instead of brackets and wires that are only accessible to your orthodontist, you’re able to switch to your next set of Invisalign aligners on your own. We’ll dispense a few sets of aligners at a time so that you’re able to progress at home (on a treatment schedule we’ll provide). This way, you can spend less time in the office without compromising your straightening process.
Braces are composed of so many different finicky pieces – brackets, archwires, metal bands, o-rings, and potentially more. These components are intended to work together harmoniously, but it’s not uncommon for an orthodontic emergency to arise. When a wire is poking your cheek, or a bracket is hanging off a tooth, you need to seek out urgent attention. This means extra time spent in the office – something you’re trying to avoid during the pandemic.
Invisalign involves smooth plastic aligners (instead of a mess of metal and wires). This means that orthodontic emergencies are far less likely. You’ll be comfortable and confident that your treatment is progressing, and you won’t need to seek emergency care for a popped wire.
Invisalign comes with more streamlined instructions than metal braces. There’s less you need to be careful of on your end – simply take out your aligners when you’re eating, drinking, or performing oral hygiene. You don’t need to worry about damaging your delicate braces, or avoid certain dangerous foods like candy or gum. And during an endlessly stressful time like this one, every opportunity to simplify life is welcome!
Invisalign aligners are clear plastic and don’t hide your smile. If you’re working from home or taking classes online, chances are that the people on the other end of your Zoom call won’t have any idea you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. The aligners are already subtle in person, but even less detectable over video.
There are a few special tips to remember when you’re completing Invisalign during COVID. Although treatment has a lot to offer in terms of convenience, you’ll want to be sure you take care to stay safe. Any treatment involving an oral appliance creates an additional risk since you’re touching your mouth throughout the day. Be sure to prioritize these daily steps:
Have questions about getting started with Invisalign? Reach out today to arrange your complimentary consultation!
