Invisalign has become a popular choice for people looking to straighten their teeth without traditional braces. This clear aligner system offers a careful and comfortable way to achieve a beautiful smile. To ensure you receive the best results from your Invisalign treatment, we’ve compiled 11 essential tips.
Tip1. Wear Your Aligners for 20-22 Hours Daily
You must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day in order for Invisalign to function as intended. Take them off only to eat, drink anything other than water, or brush your teeth. Consistency is key to achieving the desired results within the projected treatment time. Set reminders on your phone if you need help remembering to put your aligners back in after meals.
Tip2. Change Your Aligners on Schedule
Stick to the schedule your dentist provides for changing your aligners. On average, this happens every one to two weeks. Changing on time keeps your treatment on track. Each set of aligners is designed to move your teeth a specific amount, so using them as prescribed ensures steady progress. If you’re unsure about when to switch, consult your treatment plan or contact your dentist. With Invisalign in Dearborn, you can enjoy fewer in-office visits while still seeing great results, as long as you follow the aligner change schedule for effective treatment
Tip3. Keep Your Aligners Clean
Clean your aligners daily to prevent bacteria buildup. Use a soft toothbrush and clear soap to gently brush them, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Hot water may stretch plastic, so avoid using it. You can also use specialized Invisalign cleaning crystals or tablets for a deeper clean. Keeping your aligners clean not only maintains good oral hygiene but also prevents them from becoming discolored or developing an odor.
Tip4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Before re-adjusting your aligners, make sure you brush and floss your teeth after every meal. This prevents food particles from getting trapped against your teeth, which can lead to decay or staining. Carry a travel-sized toothbrush and floss with you for easy cleaning on the go. Remember to clean your tongue as well, as this helps maintain fresh breath and overall oral health.
Tip5. Use Your Chewies
Chewies are tiny, cylinder-shaped cushions that help maintain aligner seating. Bite down on them for a few minutes each day to ensure your aligners fit snugly. This is especially crucial while using aligners for the first time. Proper seating of your aligners ensures that they’re applying pressure in the right places, which is crucial for efficient tooth movement.
Tip6. Store Your Aligners Properly
When not in use, always keep your aligners in their case. This lowers the possibility of losing them and shields them from harm. Avoid wrapping your aligners in a napkin when eating, as they can easily be mistaken for trash and thrown away. Choose a brightly colored case to make it easy to spot, and consider having a spare case for travel or to keep at work.
Tip7. Be Consistent with Attachments
If your treatment includes attachments, make sure to wear them as directed. These small, tooth-colored shapes bonded to your teeth help the aligners grip and move your teeth more effectively. If an attachment falls off, contact your dentist promptly for a replacement to avoid delays in your treatment progress.
Tip8. Manage Discomfort
Some discomfort is normal when starting a new set of aligners. If needed, use over-the-counter pain relievers and switch to new sets before bed to sleep through initial discomfort. You can also use dental wax on any edges that may be irritating your cheeks or tongue. Remember, any discomfort usually subsides within a few days as your mouth adjusts to the new aligners.
Tip9. Watch What You Eat and Drink
Before consuming any liquid other than water, remove your aligners. Certain meals and beverages may discolor or corrode your aligners. The plastic can warp if exposed to hot drinks. Also, colored drinks like coffee or wine can stain them. After consuming anything but water, rinse your mouth. Then, reinsert your aligners.
Tip10. Keep Your Old Aligners
Don’t throw away your old aligners. If you lose or damage your aligners, wear the old set as a backup while you wait for a new batch. This ensures that your teeth do not shift back in place while new aligners are being made. Store your old aligners in a clean, dry place, clearly labelled with the set number.
Tip11. Attend All Your Appointments
Regular check-ups with your dentist are essential to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. These appointments allow your dentist to ensure your teeth are moving as planned and to address any concerns you may have. If you need to reschedule, do so as soon as possible to avoid delays in your treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
They apply gentle, constant pressure to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Each aligner is custom-made to fit your teeth at each stage of the treatment process. As you progress through the series of aligners, your teeth slowly shift into their new positions.
Invisalign: How Long Does It Take?
The treatment period will differ according to the condition of the person’s teeth. The more complex the tooth movement needed, the less compliant a patient is. Both affect how long it will take to achieve ideal results. Invisalign treatments usually take 12 to 18 months. Some cases are shorter or longer. Wearing your aligners as the dentist directed is very important. It will help you finish treatment as quickly as possible.
Get a Straighter Smile with Invisalign at Oakman Family Dentistry
These tips can help make your Invisalign treatment more successful and will allow you to walk away with the perfect smile you have always dreamed of. If you have any questions about your Invisalign treatment, you can visit Oakman Family Dentistry, the professional dentist in Dearborn for further clarification. Call or email us and book your appointment for consultation and make the first step toward your new smile.
