Invisalign is the nearly invisible method for aligning teeth. Just because this orthodontic treatment is barely visible does not mean it is self-sufficient. Invisalign wearers have responsibilities. It’s critical to follow the rules and requirements that your Red Bank Invisalign provider has given to you to get the most out this treatment and make it a success.
1. Start off on the right foot.
When your Red Bank dentist issues your first sets of Invisalign aligners, they will likely come with the instruction to wear each new aligner tray as much as possible for the first 48 hours. The rule of thumb is to wear Invisalign for at least 22 hours a day, so it might seem impossible to wear them more than that. However, it’s easy to slack a bit with leisurely mealtimes or excessive snacking. The more dedicated you are to your treatment, the faster and better it will work.
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2. Follow directions.
Your dentist creates an Invisalign treatment plan for you from start to finish. This plan can be adjusted over the weeks, but it should only be changed by your dentist, not by you. When your dentist tells you it’s time to change an aligner, follow these instructions. If you are told to wear a set of aligners a little longer than anticipated, do so. Attempting to speed up your treatment on your own by changing aligners when you think it’s appropriate will only be detrimental to the entire orthodontic process.
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3. Keep your aligners clean.
If you are eager to change to the next Invisalign aligners because your current ones are discolored or malodorous, it’s time to evaluate your cleaning methods. Since most Invisalign aligners are worn for about two weeks, there isn’t all that much time for the clear mouthpieces to become gross. However, if you aren’t diligently cleaning your Invisalign aligners with warm water and antibacterial soap (or the Invisalign-sanctioned cleaning product), your aligners will start to be noticeable because they are dirty. And that’s not only unattractive, it’s unhealthy. Note that using toothpaste on your aligners is not recommended – it is too harsh, and could create pitted areas on the aligners that collect bacteria.
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4. Make sure your mouth is clean too.
Brushing and flossing are more important than ever when you’re wearing Invisalign. The aligners are in your mouth all day and all night. If bacteria or plaque are caught in between the snug-fitting Invisalign and your tooth enamel, there is plenty of opportunity for decay to find a home and do damage to your teeth. And saliva doesn’t have the freedom to roam around your teeth as usual because the aligners are in place. The last thing you want is to deal with a cavity when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Tooth decay is preventable while wearing Invisalign.
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5. Adjust your eating habits as needed.
One of Invisalign’s biggest perks is that the treatment does not come with any dietary restrictions. You can eat and drink whatever you like when your aligners are out of your mouth. When Invisalign is on your teeth, however, you should not be ingesting anything but water. Other beverages will tint and discolor the aligners. And eating any foods with the aligners in could damage or crack them.
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6. Wear your retainer.
At the end of your Invisalign treatment, you will have a gorgeous aligned smile. And you will also be issued retainers. Failing to wear your retainers as instructed could reverse the tooth alignment and ruin the hard work you put in throughout the course of your treatment. You may be ready to be done with wearing anything on your teeth, but wearing your retainer immediately after Invisalign is complete will be recommended almost around the clock. Eventually, and with good behavior, your retainers can typically be worn only at night.
There are plenty of ways to do right by your Invisalign treatment. If you have signed on for this innovative alignment process, be dedicated to it and wear it as instructed. It might feel a little weird sometimes, it might look odd to you, but to others your Invisalign will hardly be noticeable. Choose a Red Bank dentist who is an experienced Invisalign provider, like Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell at Red Bank Dentistry. Make an appointment to discuss whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign.
