Invisalign treatment has become a very popular and preferred method of orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners are comfortable, discreet, and allow you to continue the lifestyle you had before choosing to correct your smile.
Here’s how you can make the most of your treatment so it’s a complete success!
Commit to Your Timeline Early
For Invisalign to work properly, and in order to finish your treatment on time, it’s important to practice self-discipline and commitment when it comes to wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time.
For Invisalign treatment to be successful and for your outcome to be as projected, you should wear your clear aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day. In the two hours you have free, you should schedule your meals, snacks, and oral hygiene habits. This small time slot also gives you a little bit of time for a break from your aligners on a daily basis.
Failing to follow your wear schedule can leave your teeth prone to shifting back into place. The last thing you want or need during your treatment is to have to switch back to a previous set of aligners or to lengthen your treatment time.
Tip: Set reminders in your phone, or have a calendar or planner that lets you easily track how many hours you’re wearing your Invisalign so you know you’re on top of things!
Be Diligent In Oral Care and Hygiene
If you already have a well-developed oral hygiene routine, keep following that!
If you don’t, make sure you start brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, twice per day for optimum oral health results. Doing so prevents cavities, plaque and tartar build-up, and keeps your breath fresh. It also prevents potential build-up in your aligners.
Make sure you floss once a day, too. Your aligners will hold on to anything left in your teeth, which could result in damage or staining.
Cleaning your aligners will become an important part of your oral care routine, too. Make sure you brush your aligners twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, warm water, and antibacterial soap. Don’t use toothpaste, as it has abrasives that can scratch your aligners.
Change Your Aligners On-Time and At Night
Switching to your next set of aligners on time is key. Each set is manufactured to fit the next stage of your treatment, so it’s important to stay on top of it.
Your next set of aligners will be slightly straighter than your last set, which may cause a small amount of initial discomfort. To avoid this, you can switch aligners at night. Your mouth will adjust as you’re sleeping, which will hopefully make the process a little easier for you.
Keep in Mind: Most People Won’t Notice Them
Many patients tend to feel self-conscious to pursue orthodontic treatment, especially later in life. The truth is, due to Invisalign’s discreet nature and tight, customized fit, most people won’t even pick up on the fact that you’re wearing aligners. Hopefully, this will give you the confidence to go about your daily tasks without feeling conscious. Besides, you get a great new smile at the end of it, so this transition period is totally worth it.
Drink a Lot of Water
When your mouth senses something different, some people will begin to produce excess saliva. This is your body’s way of trying to clean out the new, obstructed feeling. While this stage will be temporary as you adjust, make sure you drink a lot of water to remain hydrated. You’re able to drink plain water while wearing your aligners, but not any other beverages.
Practice Speaking With Your Aligners In
While it may feel strange at first, you’ll want to practice talking for the first few days after you begin your treatment. Invisalign can cause a temporary lisp or speech impediment, as you’re not used to the foreign object in your mouth.
Practice talking and singing so you’re prepared for a real conversation with your aligners in. You’ll get used to it very quickly, and this stage will be very brief.
Remember: It’s Temporary!
Try to keep the final outcome in mind as you progress through your treatment, and remember this stage is temporary. Stay excited about your final smile results, and do everything you can to work towards them – finishing your treatment early, if you can, is always a bonus.
Contact Invisalign Orthodontist in Edmonton for an Invisalign consultation.
