Whether you are just starting your Invisalign treatment or are working on perfecting your smile, one question you may ask yourself is whether you need Invisalign buttons . But what exactly are these things, and why do you need them? Find out the answer to these questions and more as we explain everything about Invisalign buttons and how they can help you have a beautiful smile!
What are Invisalign Buttons?
The Invisalign system is made up of three components: aligners, trays and retainers. The aligners are removable and replace your current set of teeth for about two weeks at a time until you’ve moved all your teeth into place. The retainer is a kind of watchguard device that keeps your teeth in place long after treatment is finished to ensure that no relapse happens.
Retainers are worn full-time during treatment so most people find Invisalign buttons them comfortable enough to sleep in too. Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to tell you if you need to wear one—and whether or not it will be an add-on service (like buttons) or included in your plan as part of your overall price.
Buttons are an important part of your orthodontic treatment because they keep your teeth from shifting out of place during their time in braces. Most aligners have a hole at each end, which allows you to easily put them on and take them off as needed. But these holes can also be responsible for a number of complications, such as snagging or chipping your aligners if you aren’t careful. Using buttons instead of holes will help solve all of these problems.
There are two types of aligners, which one is best for me?
The type of aligner that you should use depends on whether you’re new to orthodontics or not. If you’re getting your first set of braces, your dentist will likely recommend using traditional metal braces. There are many reasons for this recommendation:
Metal brackets are less expensive than clear aligners and require a shorter period of treatment time—typically just 18 months compared to as long as five years with Invisalign. However, if you’ve already had traditional braces before and now want something different or if you can’t find a good dental plan, then an alternative could be switching over to aligners.
But how do you choose between clear vs. metal? This question is actually easier to answer than you might think; there are really only two main factors: Your budget and your comfort level. We’ll go into more detail below.
How many times will I wear each type of aligner during my treatment plan?
The number of times you’ll need to wear each type of aligner depends on your specific treatment plan. You might have to wear a series of transparent trays, for example, or wear some that are solid and others that are flexible. It’s important to note that even after you’ve mastered wearing one type of aligner, you will still have regular adjustments to undergo throughout your course of treatment.
Each time an adjustment is needed, your dentist or orthodontist will put a new set of trays into place. The good news is that these aren’t meant to be worn all day—only while they’re being adjusted—so they tend to be much easier than other types. They also come in different sizes so they can fit just right.
You’ll want to choose an N type button. This option is most comfortable, because it sits behind your teeth, rather than pushing against them. While these buttons may cost a little more than others, they are worth it if you find other types of buttons uncomfortable or impractical.
If you don’t have any issues with uneven bite pressure on your back teeth, there really isn’t a reason to consider anything but an N type button (unless you just want to be adventurous). To learn more about choosing an Invisalign system that meets your needs and budget, speak with one of our friendly associates today.
The correct button can be determined by answering these questions: 1) What is my age? 2) How much space is between my upper and lower teeth? 3) Do I have teeth growing in behind my front teeth (baby molars)? If you answered yes to all three of these questions, you should choose a Buttons for Teens.
The Buttons for Teens are thinner than regular buttons, allowing for an increased amount of space between your top and bottom jaw. The compact size allows for better fitting in tighter spaces when compared to larger buttons. You do not want to use a regular button if you answered yes to all three of these questions. You should also choose a Buttons for Teens if your bite isn’t completely closed (but not protruding).
What if my tongue hits my aligners when I try to talk or eat something bulky with them in place?
If you’re an adult, one way to manage bulky foods while wearing aligners is to take them out every time you eat. If you choose to do that, and your tongue hits your aligners when you talk or eat, consider wearing a pair of over-the-counter tongue guards to prevent discomfort.
They’re easy to clean and will protect your tongue from bumps and bruises. If you don’t want to wear over-the-counter guards during treatment, there are other options for preventing discomfort related to food getting stuck between your teeth and aligners
What if part of my face gets sore?
Choosing a positioner that’s right for you may not be as easy as it sounds. Some people choose a pre-made setting with all their numbers in one row, while others prefer to customize their treatment by choosing individual settings and placing them on specific teeth.
While there is no right way to wear aligners, there are some important considerations that could make your overall experience more comfortable. Since part of your face will be rubbing against one or more aligners when you sleep on your side, choosing buttons that are as smooth and rounded as possible can help minimize soreness and discomfort.
This might mean selecting buttons made from rubber instead of plastic or opting for larger diameter buttons rather than smaller ones. You may also want to talk with your doctor about creating a custom alignment button set if you have unique requirements (such as special needs due to recent orthodontic work). If creating an individualized set isn’t an option, you can modify existing sets—even those purchased online—with sandpaper and an emery board. Just be sure to test out each modification before cementing! For example, how does each button feel when pushed up against your gum? Do they scratch? Are they too small? Too large?
