How to Get the Most Out of Invisalign
Braces are out and invisible aligners are in. Invisalign is the latest trend when it comes to straightening teeth, but many people still aren’t aware of how to get the most out of their clear braces treatment. So, if you’re thinking about getting Invisalign, here are some tips to get the results you want!
Keep Your Scheduled Appointments
The most important tip in getting results with Invisalign is frequent check-ups at your dentist’s office. Regular visits are essential in order for your dentist to monitor the progress of your teeth movement and also to make sure that you are doing your part in achieving the desired results.
Wear Your Aligners
In addition, never forget to wear your aligners as required by your dentist. Wearing the clear aligners for a longer time does not equate with greater improvement. Part of getting results with Invisalign is wearing it as recommended by your dentist. Before one starts Invisalign, it is crucial to know if you can follow instructions well enough, so you don’t waste time and money if you are not able to comply with the directives given. The first 48 hours after you start treatment are crucial and require that you wear your aligners as much as you can. Then, you need to wear them for 22 hours a day to get accurate results, only taking them out when you eat.
Change Your Aligners When It’s Time
Depending on your treatment plan, you will be switching out your aligners every couple weeks or so. Don’t move to a new tray unless it is time thinking that will help move your treatment along faster. Failing to stay on schedule with your aligners will disrupt the length of your treatment and could complicate your results.
Don’t Eat with Them In
Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn all the time EXCEPT when you are eating. Make sure you follow this rule so that you don’t break your aligners. You can drink water with your aligners but should avoid drinking other liquids with your aligners since the sugars from these liquids can adhere to your trays and foster decay and acid build up along your teeth.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
When you are asked to maintain a good oral hygiene, it doesn’t mean that brushing your teeth regularly is the only thing that you should do. You should also floss and use mouthwash as recommended by your dentist. This way, you will have better chances of getting beautiful, healthy results with Invisalign.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
Make sure to brush your aligners after taking them out and before putting them back in. This will help prevent stains, eliminate bacteria, and keep your aligners looking nice and clean. Simple anti-bacterial soap can be used to clean your aligners, or you can also soak them in denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, or the cleaning crystals that Invisalign specifically makes. (Toothpaste should NOT be used to clean your aligners since it breaks down the plastic and forms place for bacteria to build up residence.
Add More Water to Your Day
A healthy mouth needs adequate saliva. To make this, your body uses your water stores. Aligners can cause your body to produce extra saliva requiring you to boost your input of water in order to not become dehydrated.
With these tips and tricks, you should be able to maximize your Invisalign treatment success! If at any time you have questions or concerns during treatment, please do not hesitate to contact Beyond Dentistry Laser Center for assistance! We want everyone who enters our doors for any type of orthodontic treatment to feel comfortable and confident with their decision so let us know if there is anything we can do to make your Invisalign experience a good one! Contact us today at 718-436-0202 to learn more about how you can get started with Invisalign!