Invisalign treatment is a modern and effective orthodontic treatment for improving the alignment and function of crooked teeth. Invisalign not only provides aesthetic benefits but also boosts your oral and general health. In this article, we discuss how to get the most from your Invisalign treatment and reach the outcome you want.
How To Get The Most From Your Invisalign Treatment
To achieve the results you want, follow our ten simple rules for getting the most from your Invisalign treatment.
Start the Treatment Right
Did you know that the first 48 hours are crucial for the successful outcome of your treatment? Your new aligners might feel alien in your mouth and very uncomfortable for the first two days. You also might experience toothache from the pressure applied to your teeth. As a result, many patients are tempted to take the trays out to rest.
However, it is critically important to still wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day to get your teeth moving into the desired position. You should only remove your aligners when eating and brushing your teeth. Consistently wearing the aligners will ensure that you get used to Invisalign sooner and will be able to continue the treatment without significant discomfort. The same rule applies to each new set of aligners.
Wear Your Invisalign 22 Hours a Day
One of the advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is that the aligners can be removed. It makes eating easier and the oral hygiene routine more straightforward. However, to have your teeth actually move into the desired position, constant pressure should be applied to them. Otherwise, the teeth will move back to the position they are used to. So, do not be tempted to remove your aligners more than when absolutely necessary, and wear them for at least 22 hours on a daily basis.
Change Your Trays on Time
The success of the treatment also depends heavily on changing the trays on schedule. Your doctor will monitor the progress of the treatment and know when your teeth are ready for the new set of aligners. To get the most results from the treatment, you should adhere to the schedule recommended by your dentist.
Be Patient Until You Get Used to Your Aligners
Invisalign is considered much more comfortable to wear and much easier to get used to than traditional braces. However, it will still feel strange and uncomfortable at first. In some cases, patients experience soreness in the mouth and toothache. Remember that these sensations are expected. In fact, soreness of the teeth means that they are moving in the right direction. Be patient and continue wearing your trays for 22 hours a day—this is the only way to guarantee that you will get used to the aligners, and the strange sensations will go away.
Practice Your Speech
If you have a lisp when you start wearing your Invisalign, do not panic. Once your tongue gets used to the new position, the lisp will go away. Just practice your speech, and it will get back to normal in a couple of days.
Maintain Good Oral Health
Excellent oral hygiene is a must when wearing Invisalign. The aligners sit snugly upon your teeth, preventing the saliva from naturally washing off the food residue and bacteria. If bacteria lingers on your teeth, it can start destroying the enamel and cause tooth decay. That is why you have to brush your teeth after each meal and floss your teeth thoroughly every evening.
Clean Your Aligners Properly
Thorough daily cleaning of the trays is also essential for preventing tooth decay and bad breath. You can use the official Invisalign cleaning solution or a clean antibacterial soap to clean your aligners every time you brush your teeth. Remember to rinse the soap off well before putting the trays back in your mouth. Avoid cleaning your Invisalign with toothpaste, as it can scratch its surface.
Drink a Lot of Water
Sometimes, wearing Invisalign might increase saliva production, which can feel uncomfortable for some people. In other cases, your mouth might feel drier than usual. In both situations, drinking water every hour can solve the issue.
Visit Your Dentist for Regular Checkups
Invisalign treatment requires fewer dental visits for adjustments than traditional braces. However, it is still necessary to follow through with the scheduled checkups with your dentist to ensure that the treatment is going in the right direction.
Be Prepared for Long-Term After-care
In some cases, a course of Invisalign treatment should be followed by wearing a retainer only at night for some time to maintain the achieved results.
Make an Appointment Today
Getting Invisalign in Upland will not only improve your appearance but also your health and quality of life. Do not hesitate to contact our office today and make an appointment with one of our Invisalign specialists. We look forward to your visit.