By far, the most important thing you can do during your Invisalign treatment is to follow to the treatment plan laid out by your dentist. Here, our Langley dentists share some tips to help you on the path to straighter teeth during Invisalign treatment.
You are making a major commitment to an orthodontic treatment when you choose Invisalign. So it's important to take your treatment plan seriously and follow the instructions set out by your dentist. By staying committed to your treatment and following these simple tips, you will soon see the benefits of Invisalign.
1. Follow Your Treatment Plan
Your dentist will review your treatment plan with you and answer any questions you may have, before your treatment begins. Your dentist will explain how to wear, clean and care for your custom aligners during Invisalign treatment. Following these directions is the key to successful treatment.
2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Attend your regularly scheduled appointments at your dental office throughout your treatment. Regular checkups help your dentist to track your progress and make treatment recommendations as necessary along the way.
3. Wear Your Aligners For At Least 20 Hours A Day
Invisalign aligners are removable, however, our dentists recommend that you wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, and only remove them for cleaning your teeth, eating or drinking.
4. Change Your Aligners In The Right Order
Change your aligners only as instructed by your dentist. Your treatment won't go faster if you put in different aligners earlier than scheduled.
5. Keep Your Teeth Clean
Brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly and regularly will help you prevent the build up of plaque and bacteria under your aligners. You should clean your teeth every time you remove your aligners, before putting them back in place.
6. Keep Your Aligners Clean
It's important to keep your aligners free of bacteria and plaque. Use a soft toothbrush, soft soap and a gentle brushing motion to clean the inner and outer surfaces of the aligners and then rinse them. Each time you take out your aligners, be sure to rinse them under running water before you put them back in place.
7. Monitor Your Diet
Dark coloured foods and drinks can stain your aligners so be sure to only drink water while you're wearing them. When you're enjoying other foods and drinks, be sure to remove your aligners first and clean them before putting them back in your mouth. Patients often find it easier to eat three meals a day and skip snacks as much as possible in order to limit the amount of time you need to remove your aligners and clean them.
8. Tough Out Any Discomfort
As with traditional braces, there is an adjustment period when you begin your Invisalign treatment. Invisalign gradually shifts your teeth into a straighter smile, so the aligners have to put pressure on your teeth. 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 try to 'tough it out' and think of the beautiful straight smile you will have at the end of your treatment!
9. Practice Pronunciation
At first when you wear your aligners, you may notice a slight lisp. It is typically only obvious to you, is usually temporary and, can be corrected if it persists. If your Invisalign aligners do seem to cause a slight lisp that doesn’t go away naturally, you can correct it by simply practicing the pronunciation of words while you're wearing your aligners. All you need is a little practice and a little patience.
10. Be Patient
Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how long your Invisalign treatment will take. By following your dentist's instructions and sticking to the details of your treatment plan you will be sure to see a straighter smile at the end of your treatment. We know it will be worth the wait!