Following the treatment plan laid out by your dentist, is the most important thing you can do during your Invisalign treatment. Here are a few more tips to help you achieve a straighter smile with Invisalign.
When you choose Invisalign to straighten your smile, you're are making a serious commitment to an orthodontic treatment. Taking your treatment plan seriously and following the instructions set out by your dentist are key to getting the desired results within the scheduled timeframe. It won't take long to see the benefits of Invisalign if you stay committed to your treatment and follow these easy tips.
Follow your treatment plan! At the very beginning of your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will review your treatment plan with you and answer any questions you may have. At this time your dentist will also explain how to wear, clean and care for your aligners. For your treatment to give you the best results possible it's important to follow your dentist's instructions.
Visit your dentist regularly. Don't skip your regularly scheduled Invisalign appointments. Regular checkups will allow your dentist to track your progress and to make treatment recommendations you may require, along the way.
Wear your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day. Because your aligners are removable it can be tempting to take them out, or leave them out for longer than prescribed by your dentist. To achieve the straight smile you're dreaming of, be sure to keep your aligners on your teeth for a minimum of 20 hours a day. Only remove your aligners when you are eating, drinking or cleaning your teeth.
Change your aligners in the scheduled order. Change your aligners only as instructed by your dentist. Your treatment will not go any faster if you switch out your aligners before the scheduled time, or out of the proper order.
Keep your teeth clean. Prevent the build up of plaque and bacteria under your aligners by brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly and regularly. Clean your teeth before retuning your aligners to your mouth every time you remove them.
Keep your aligners clean. Protect your teeth by keeping your aligners free of plaque and bacteria. Use soft soap, a soft bristled toothbrush, and a gentle brushing motion to clean the inner and outer surfaces of the aligners, then rinse them thoroughly. Whenever you remove your aligners, rinse them under running water before returning them to your mouth.
Monitor your diet. Your aligners may be stained by dark coloured foods and drinks. Only drink water while you're wearing your aligners. Remove your aligners whenever you are eating or drinking anything except cool water. You may find it more convenient to eat three meals a day and skip the snacks in order to limit the number of times you need to remove your aligners and clean your teeth.
Tough out any discomfort. Just like any other orthodontic treatment, there will be an adjustment period when you begin your Invisalign treatment. Your aligners gradually shift your teeth into a straighter smile. In order to do this, your aligners have to put pressure on your teeth which can be uncomfortable at times. However, it won't take long for your gums and cheeks to toughen up and get used to your aligners, then the discomfort should stop. So keep thinking about the beautiful straight smile you will have at the end of your treatment, and try to 'tough it out'!
Practice your pronunciation of difficult words. When you first begin wearing your aligners, you may notice a slight lisp. Typically the lisp is only obvious to you, will be temporary, and can be easily corrected if it persists. To correct a persistent lisp caused by your aligners simply practice saying the words you are having difficulty with, while wearing your aligners. Chances are good that all you need is a little practice.
Be patient with your treatment. Your dentist will give you the most accurate estimate of how long your Invisalign treatment will take. Follow your dentist's instructions and stick to the details of your treatment plan and you are sure to see a straighter smile at the end of your treatment. It will be worth the wait!