If you are prepared to make the commitment to straighten your teeth, you will be more than satisfied with the results of Invisalign braces. There are plenty of rules that come with wearing any sort of orthodontia.
If you thrive on order, knowing exactly what you must do, how long you must do it, and when things need to change will invigorate you, and help you have an incredibly successful course of Invisalign treatment.
Here are just seven Invisalign rules you’ll be happy to follow:
Rule #1: Remove aligners to eat. Ready to indulge? You don’t have to deprive yourself. Just take out your aligners and chow down on your favorite chewy or crunchy foods. There are no eating restrictions when you wear Invisalign (other than not wearing the aligners while eating).
Rule #2: Rinse aligners before putting them in your mouth. Invisalign helps you become more aware of your oral health. The last thing you want is bacteria stuck between your snug aligners and your teeth. Rinse and be merry.
Rule #3: Wear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. It takes about half the time of traditional metal braces to align your teeth with Invisalign (around one year). So, for some people, putting up with near-constant aligner wear for about 365 days is far better than 24/7 wear of metal brackets and wires for two years.
Rule #4: Change aligners as indicated. It’s satisfying to know you have played a major role in the success of your orthodontia. Your Red Bank Invisalign provider will design a treatment plan on day one, and you will follow it, including changing the aligners as indicated (about every two weeks).
Rule #5: Clean aligners. You may only be wearing each set of Invisalign aligners for about two weeks, but that doesn’t mean you can slack on their upkeep. Aligners must be cleaned thoroughly and as directed so they stay clear and odorless and invisible on your teeth.
Rule #6: Adjust your eating habits. Because your aligners must be removed before every meal or snack, you’ll be more likely to think twice about whether that chocolate bar or soda is worth the effort. (And your waistline will thank you for refraining!).
Rule #7: Wear retainers. There is no getting away from wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment is over, whether you wear Invisalign or traditional metal braces. If you go to the trouble of straightening your teeth, you will want to invest in the method that will keep them straight, permanently.
Are you a stickler for the rules? Or are you a rule-breaker? Either way, Invisalign can work for you, give you the straight smile you’ve always wanted, and show you the value of following instructions – because the results will be magnificent.
When you’re ready to learn more about Invisalign, be sure to see a dentist who is experienced in this method of orthodontic treatment. Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell at Red Bank Dentistry is a certified Invisalign provider and will guide you to straight teeth. Schedule your consultation to find out whether you are a good candidate for the Invisalign treatment process.
