Invisalign: Tips and Tricks
Over 11 million people around the globe have trusted Invisalign® therapy to straighten their teeth more comfortably and discreetly. Invisalign trays gently nudge teeth into an improved alignment through small, calculated movements. If you are ready to embark on your journey to a straighter smile, continue reading for six tips that can help you get the most out of clear aligner treatment.
1. Wear your aligners as directed.
A significant advantage of Invisalign trays is that they are removable, which puts more responsibility on the wearer. Generally speaking, we instruct patients to wear their clear aligners for about 22 hours per day, but they can be taken out momentarily for:
- Brushing and flossing
- Eating and drinking (anything besides water)
- A quick special occasion (such as delivering an acceptance speech)
Also, patients are encouraged to wear them as much as possible during the first few days with a new aligner as the mouth adjusts. On the other hand, if patients do not wear their aligners as instructed, it can extend or impede the treatment process.
2. Ride the learning curve.
During the first three to six months of Invisalign treatment, about 7% of people who wear clear aligners report having difficulty speaking normally and may have a slight speech impairment. Despite initial speaking challenges, it’s essential to continue rehearsing speech with aligners. Practice makes perfect. Within a few days, your speech should go back to normal.
3. Clean with care.
Invisalign aligners are simple to care for and require only lukewarm water and antibacterial soap (or cleaning products made specifically for plastic orthodontic devices).
However, it’s important to note that Invisalign manufactures aligner trays from medical-grade, BPA-free plastic. When cleaning, avoid hot water. Hot liquids can warp and ruin aligners, which can delay treatment. Additionally, please avoid cleaning the aligner trays with toothpaste. All kinds of toothpaste are abrasive to some degree, which can scratch plastic aligners and make them appear dingy.
4. Save the previous set!
After receiving a fresh set of aligners, do not automatically toss out your old pair. Words of wisdom to live by always keep the last set of aligners in case of emergency, This way, you will always have a backup set if you lose or break your aligners. Wearing the previous set of aligners can save your teeth from moving into their previous position. As soon as your replacement set comes in, recommence the treatment process to avoid an extended delay in progress.
5. Wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment.
After your final step with Invisalign, your orthodontic treatment should not end here. Even if your teeth look perfectly straight after clear aligner therapy, retainers are essential to retaining results. Unfortunately, if you skip wearing a retainer, you risk your teeth drifting back out of alignment. For this reason, we encourage patients to wear retainers after Invisalign treatment to maintain their results for as long as possible.
Start Your Invisalign Journey Today
If you have considered starting Invisalign in the Tucson, AZ area, the Advanced Family Dentistry family can help you decide if it is a suitable treatment for your unique case. Dr. Payam Asadi and his dedicated team can help you with each step of your clear aligner journey. Call (520) 353-3002 or message us online to set up an Invisalign consultation in Tucson with no hesitation.
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