It’s a big commitment to spend several months in a clear aligner program.
Every week towards straighter teeth is mentally taxing. So you might start to miss the simple pleasures of a schedule without clear aligners.
Granted, the more noticeable smile transformations are slow and subtle.
There will likely be extensions and pushbacks. Or infrequent tracking issues. And, of course, you’ll experience the many lifestyle changes surrounding food.
What’s less surprising than the phantom costs surrounding clear aligners is the realization that even advanced orthodontic procedures have their limitations.
Meaning you could ultimately be disappointed with your new and improved smile.
This Post Will Cover:
1) How to mentally prepare yourself to complete a long-term teeth straightening program
2) The factors your Invisalign provider can (and can’t) have control over
3) Tempering expectations after completing Invisalign
Let’s dive in.
Professional Teeth Straightening Comes With Highs and Lows
The highs and lows are real.
You’ll be staring in the mirror every day looking… waiting… hoping that things are moving along as they should.
Some weeks you’ll love the progress. Other weeks not so much.
It truly is an emotional rollercoaster.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to make your clear aligner journey seamless:
- Set realistic goals and create your own clear aligner reward system
- Never, ever lose your love for eating
- Join the growing Well+Aligned community here
- Over communicate to your cosmetic dentist or orthodontist about your main problem areas
Now that the basics are covered, you can set yourself up on a better path towards clear aligner success.
Cosmetic Dentists And Orthodontists Aren’t Miracle Workers
There’s an important distinction that needs to be made.
Your cosmetic dentist or orthodontist is responsible for walking you through a digital mock-up of your mouth and can explain the areas of your tooth anatomy that will be affected – both positively and negatively. Like additional rotations of a molar or a particular row of teeth.
The clear aligner companies themselves – Invisalign, Smile Direct Club, etc… – will build your aligner trays to modify your bite and reposition your teeth.
Once you start wearing your trays, the changes in your mouth are mostly out of your cosmetic dentist or orthodontist’s hands.
They’re not the miracle workers.
They’re the ones that will show you how your tooth/teeth are shifting and provide simulations of your midline or dental arc. But they can’t perform the actual shifting.
Therefore, it’s important to ask questions and over communicate to them if you’re unhappy with the results – during any part of the process.
Whether That’s:
- Figuring out if you need extra rounds of refinements
- Evaluating whether or not clear aligners are working for your exact needs
- Determining if you should seek further cosmetic treatment with dental crowns, composite bonding, veneers or tooth reshaping
Speak up. Your perfect smile is on the line.
Fixating On Your New Smile Won’t Do You Any Good
It’s easier said than done.
There’s a million thoughts running through your head each day. Staring in the mirror and looking at your smile is a natural instinct.
But fixating on your smile won’t do you any good. You’re on this journey for a reason. You saw what the end results could look like.
You need to trust the process.
*This especially includes your after-aligner journey. (For those who are about to finish or who have just finished their clear aligner journey, read this post on Life After Clear Aligners.)*