Many adults have a lack of confidence in their smile due to common problems such as crooked teeth, gaps and even overcrowding or bite issues. If you experience these issues then you may have considered having your teeth fixed but probably won’t want to go through the tedious procedure of traditional metal braces, as many adults don’t.
At the Art of Dentistry, we offer the revolutionary tooth alignment system of Invisalign aligners, also known as invisible braces , which allow you to address the concerns of your teeth without the need for traditional braces. Invisalign braces are an increasingly popular alternative treatment for many of our patients who want to avoid the uncomfortable experience that metal braces bring. Not only are they invisible but they can fix your teeth in half the time, without the discomfort from the metal brackets and semi-permanent fixture which usually lasts right up until they are removed by an orthodontist.
When you get your Invisalign aligners, you will be able to remove them to comfortably eat and brush your teeth but there are several things that you may want to keep in mind during the series. Here are several tips on how to get the most out of your Invisalign braces:
Floss at Least Once a Day
The aligners are completely removable, making it easy to clean your teeth twice a day. Unfortunately, the invisible braces tend to hold quite a bit of grime and gunk from the food that is left in your teeth from each meal throughout the day where it is important to not only brush precisely and rinse with mouthwash but to also floss. Flossing with a tape, thread, water or tiny brushes recommended by your dentist are great ways to remove any debris that has accumulated in your mouth and helps to keep your teeth clean.
Wear Them for Long Periods for Faster Improvements
If you want the best out of your invisalign aligners and optimal results, then you need to commit to wearing them through long periods of the day. We recommend that you wear your aligners for at least 22 hours of the day to avoid prolonging the treatment process or hindering your desired results. It is also recommended that you wear the aligners as much as possible during the first 48 hours of your treatment where they should be removed solely for brushing and flossing.
Change Your Aligners at the Appropriate Time
Unlike with traditional braces, you won’t be making several trips to our office for follow up appointments and check-ups. The process of invisalign is quite straightforward. You should typically wear each set for two weeks and follow the recommended guidelines on the schedule of your series. Attempting to speed up the process by changing your aligners too early can delay the process and even obstruct your results. We recommend that you change your invisible braces on time and in the correct order to get the most out of your treatment.
Use a Whitening Toothpaste
We have found from patient experience that the fluoride and whitening agents in toothpaste are held against the teeth by the aligner. This is beneficial as instead of being washed away by water or saliva, your teeth can receive extra care and maintenance from the toothpaste in the long run. We recommend avoiding the use of any other whitening treatments during the process.
Dietary Instructions
During your treatment, your orthodontist will give you instructions on the type of food you should eat. It is vital that you are drinking a substantial amount of water as you may feel dehydrated from the excess saliva that is naturally produced from having the tray in your mouth. Considering there is a 2-hour window for eating, you may want to lay off the snacks and keep a nutritious diet to stay energized. This is something we will advise and guide you on throughout the treatment.
Make Use of the Attachments
Many people are afraid to use the invisalign attachments, or buttons, that come with aligners where small areas of bonding material are attached to specific teeth. These attachments are a great way to speed up the process of your treatment as they help with keeping the aligner tray in place and from slipping which is a great way to get straight teeth faster. Not only do these attachments make a considerable difference to the effectiveness and quality of your treatment but they won’t be visible as we ensure that they will match the colour of your teeth.
Care for Your Aligners
Cleaning your teeth is one thing but cleaning your aligner is just as important. We do not recommend using toothpaste to clean your trays as this will create bacteria in the aligner. Instead, they should be cleaned quite simply with soap and water. If you really want to, you can always purchase invisalign cleaning products from your dentist at The Art of Dentistry.
Wear your Retainers
Much like traditional braces, retainers are highly advised after the Invisalign treatment is complete. Although you may be excited to finally get rid of your aligner, choosing not to wear your retainer can cause a loss of progress. It is important for the soft tissue and jawbone to become accustomed to your newly aligned teeth which can be kept in place using the retainer. Depending on your needs, you may have to wear a retainer for the whole day or only at night but this is something that we will discuss at the clinic, after reviewing your progress.
To learn more about how invisalign could give you a beautiful smile, give us a call today to book a complimentary consultation!