Why Invisalign Is Ideal for Straightening Teeth During COVID

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.

Invisalign Allows You to Straighten at Home

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.

Why Invisalign Offers Patients Extra Flexibility During the Pandemic

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:

Fewer appointments necessary

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.

Less likely to experience an orthodontic emergency

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.

Ease of use

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!

Subtle appearance

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.

COVID Safety Tips for Invisalign Patients

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:

• Become a master hand-washer – This far into the pandemic, you’ve probably heard more hand washing advice than you could ever want. But we’re here to offer just a little more! Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before removing your Invisalign aligners, and do the same before putting them back in your mouth. If you’re not able to access a sink and soap, you can use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content instead.
• Have backup hand sanitizer – Just in case you’re not able to access a bathroom when it’s time to eat, have effective hand sanitizer in your bag or car so that you’re never unable to clean your hands.
• Keep your Invisalign case close – Always put your Invisalign aligners back in their case, so that they’re not touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
• Clean your aligners regularly – Be sure to use Invisalign cleaner or gentle liquid soap to clear your aligners every day. They should be brushed and also soaked to ensure you remove debris and bacteria.

Have questions about getting started with Invisalign? Reach out today to arrange your complimentary consultation!