Invisalign is fast becoming the preferred teeth straightening option for both teens and adults. Invisalign is an effective orthodontic treatment. It can straighten the teeth and correct bite issues. Invisalign braces uses a series of aligners to move the teeth into alignment, unlike traditional braces which involve the bracket and wire system.
If you have decided to undergo Invisalign treatment, you need to make the most out of your treatment to ensure you get the perfect result you desire. Here are some tips to optimise your Invisalign treatment.
During the first 48 hours
The first 48 hours of your Invisalign treatment is vital as it determines the accuracy of your teeth straightening result. During the first 48 hours, ensure you wear your Invisalign aligner trays as much as you can. It is best to take the aligners out only when you want to eat or clean your teeth, and try to do these things quickly, so, you can wear the aligners.
Wear for at least 22 hours every day
Your Invisalign aligners will only work as they should if you wear the aligners for most of the day. To achieve your desired result, you need to wear your aligner trays for at least 22 hours every day.
Change the aligners on time
Ensure you follow your orthodontist’s instruction strictly. If your orthodontist instructs you to change the aligners to a new set, ensure you change them and do not rush to use your next set of aligners if the orthodontist has not given you the approval to change it. Similar to traditional braces treatment, a professional has to tell you how long to wear the aligners.
Dealing with Invisalign discomfort
When you start wearing a new set of Invisalign aligners, you may feel a little discomfort, but Invisalign treatment is not painful. As you wear the aligners more and get used to them, you would not notice the trays pushing against your teeth. Try not to remove your trays when you feel uncomfortable with them.
Speaking with Invisalign aligner trays
It is common for new Invisalign users to notice a slight lisping when wearing their trays. This will subside over time as you continue to wear the aligners while speaking.
Using Invisalign attachments
Some people may need attachments on their teeth called buttons to helps speed up their Invisalign treatment. The buttons hold the trays in place, helping them to apply more pressure for teeth movement. The orthodontist may decide to place them on a specific tooth that proves difficult to move. Although the attachments make the aligners obvious and people avoid using them, they reduce the treatment time.
Keeping your teeth clean
Invisalign trays are removable, so you can remove them to brush and floss your teeth, which is an essential part of your treatment. When you have the aligners in your mouth, they press tightly against your teeth, so saliva cannot wash the lingering food. These food particles can cause unwanted accumulation of bacteria on the teeth.
Flossing and brushing your teeth after your meals, before you put the aligners in your mouth helps prevent tartar, plaques and cavities.
Caring for your Invisalign aligners
Whenever you take out your aligners, it is important to clean them because they accumulate plaque and dry saliva when in your mouth. The aligners serve as a perfect place for accumulating bacteria, so, ensure you soak your aligners in denture cleaning solution, Invisalign crystals, or Retainer Brite.
Alternatively, use a clear antibacterial soap, but avoid using toothpaste because it will scratch the aligners creating perfect spots to accumulate bacteria.
Drink plenty of water
When you have aligners in your mouth, your mouth would identify it as a foreign object and begin to produce excess saliva, making you dehydrated. Taking a lot of water will keep you hydrated during your Invisalign treatment.
Post-treatment Invisalign trays
Some people decide not to wear their aligners after treatment, which results in a relapse. To ensure your teeth remains in their new positions even after your treatment, follow your orthodontist’s post-treatment advice. The orthodontist may likely recommend fixed or removable retainers.
If you have started your Invisalign treatment or about to, the information above would help you achieve a perfect result. If you want to undergo Invisalign treatment to improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence, contact a London Invisalign provider at Chatfield Dental Braces.