If you require orthodontic treatment, consider getting Invisalign treatment. Clear aligners are a convenient and effective way to treat misaligned teeth. They straighten teeth safely and discreetly over several months.
How you use the aligners will determine how effective the treatment is. If you decide to get Invisalign treatment, you must do things to ensure you achieve the desired results. Following are tips for new Invisalign patients.
Wear Invisalign As Instructed
For best results, you must wear the aligners for the recommended hours. It means you should only take them out when eating and for cleaning. You should wear Invisalign aligners between 20 to 22 hours.
You get two to four hours to enjoy your meals and drinks and to brush and floss your teeth. During the remaining time, the aligner should be in your mouth. Set a timer if you must, but avoid exceeding the time when the aligners are out.
Ensure Proper Aligner Storage
Losing or misplacing your aligners can set back your treatment timetable. Make sure you store the trays safely. Use the provided case every time you must remove the aligners. It means you must carry the case everywhere you go in case you need to eat or drink something.
It will also help prevent damage that may occur when you leave the aligners in the wrong place. Waiting to get replacement aligners will prolong the treatment.
Clean the Aligners Properly
Each aligner tray is worn for one or two weeks. It is vital to clean the aligners each day to prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria. Failing to clean the aligners daily can cause staining and bad breath.
Soak the aligners in cleaning crystals and use a soft-bristled brush to clean them gently. Do this every morning and evening as you clean your teeth. Daily cleaning will help prevent cavities throughout the Invisalign treatment.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintain proper oral hygiene during the Invisalign treatment. Wearing removable aligners makes it easy to keep up your oral routine. It means you should brush and floss your teeth every day.
Brushing after every meal will help remove debris that can get onto the aligners. If you cannot brush in the middle of the day, ensure that you rinse your mouth after eating. It will help protect your oral health and keep the aligners clean and fresh.
Wear the Aligners in the Correct Order
When you receive the aligners, you will wear each tray for about two weeks before you move to the next one. Each tray gradually shifts the teeth during the time frame. It is essential to wear each set in the correct order and not skip a tray.
Follow the recommended schedule to ensure that the treatment progresses as required. Trying to insert a tray before the scheduled time does not work as the aligner will not fit properly. Skipping a tray can delay the treatment.
Be careful when cleaning the aligners and use the recommended products. Do not use regular toothpaste or mouthwash to clean your Invisalign. Avoid soaking them in hot water that can cause warping. Avoid leaving the trays out in the open when you remove them. Ensure that you keep up your dental cleaning appointments during the Invisalign treatment.
For more tips for new Invisalign patients, call Marietta Smile Gallery at 770-809-1500 to reach our office in Marietta, Georgia office.