Don’t let another month pass without embarking on your straightening! Now could be the time to start

If you’ve been unhappy with crooked front teeth for years, it can feel even more difficult to take the straightening plunge. But with a treatment like Invisalign, the decision doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Alternative orthodontics allow patients to achieve their perfect smiles without the hassle and fuss of metal braces. For already-interested would-be Invisalign patients, the biggest question is: when should I get started?

By asking yourself a few questions, you can decide exactly which period of your life is right for taking on treatment. Setting up the right circumstances for your straightening will make the process more comfortable, and leave you feeling satisfied with both the results and the experience. Read on for our guidance, and view some of our past Invisalign patients’ happy smiles for additional inspiration.

Ask Yourself: What Are Your Invisalign Goals?

We’re each unique. Your personal motivations for straightening your teeth will dictate how soon you should get started. Explore the common treatment aims below and reflect on how you feel about treatment. To learn more, you can also take Invisalign’s Smile Assessment to evaluate your physical and mental state, pre-Invisalign.

  • Improve work performance - No matter your job, it likely involves face-to-face interaction with coworkers, superiors, and clients. The smile that you put forth partially dictates how those interactions go. When you’re self-conscious about your teeth, you tend to hide your smile and your laughter. You’re also less likely to lead with a big grin (always an asset). This can make you appear unfriendly or unsure of yourself, and act as an obstacle to professional success. If you’re hoping to straighten your teeth to excel in the workplace, it’s never too early to get started.

  • Boost confidence - We all want to feel good about ourselves. You know that appearances aren’t everything, but they’re absolutely connected to our inner confidence. Since your smile plays a significant role in your interpersonal relationships, it impacts how you view yourself (as a reflection of the way others see you). Straightening your teeth will help you feel that your inner and outer selves are on the same page - and now is the time to take action. Don’t spend another day without working toward your ideal smile.

  • Prepare for a special event - Many adults choose Invisalign because they have a special opportunity or event ahead and they’d like to look their absolute best. This adds a timeline to your straightening efforts. Since the average Invisalign treatment time is 12 months, don’t hesitate to start treatment before the weeks count down - you want plenty of time to complete your new smile. Whether it’s a wedding or a work conference, you’ll be prepared to smile big on the special day.

  • Simplify oral hygiene and cavity prevention - If you have crowded teeth, choosing Invisalign will actually help boost your oral health. Realigning your teeth will help create enough space for you to brush and floss comfortably, and reduce plaque buildup. Start Invisalign today to see less tartar at your next exam!

Invisalign by the Numbers: What to Expect

smile-invisalign
  • 1 week - The amount of time it will take to feel completely comfortable again after starting treatment. There’s an adjustment period involved with wearing aligners. You’ll need to get accustomed to speaking with them in, and also grow used to the feel of the gentle pressure they place on your teeth.
  • 20-22 hours per day - You’ll need to be sure to wear your aligners long enough each day in order for your treatment to stay on track. This means replacing them as soon as possible after eating, brushing, or flossing.
  • 3+ months - Patients are always curious about when they’ll start noticing results, especially since the clear aligners leave teeth visible throughout the process. The answer is different for every patient, but is usually somewhere around 3 months. Just ask Dr. Okamura for specifics related to your personal treatment plan.
  • 12 months - The average Invisalign case length. You should be able to complete your straightening in around one year.

Ready to learn more? We’d love to share Invisalign details - just get in touch.

North Seattle Invisalign Provider | Invisalign North Seattle | Invisalign Provider North Seattle
Dr. Kim Dr. Kim

Dr. Kim Okamura

I'm Dr. Kim Okamura and this blog is a product of my love of dentistry. I dedicate it to all the patients I have served so that they may better understand my craft. The information here will give you and others the power to maintain and protect one of your most priceless gifts ... your SMILE.