If you want to get the most out of your Invisalign clear aligners, our Scarborough dentists are here to share their tips to ensure you achieve a straighter smile.
Clear aligners are a great orthodontic treatment, and you will not have to deal with traditional metal braces. Invisalign trays are removable and clear, and you will be able to straighten your teeth discreetly. Our dentists here in Scarborough want to make sure you have an excellent aligner experience and suggest you do the following:
1. Keep Your Aligners Clean
Discoloration and food particles will become visible if you do not keep your aligners clean. Aligners are clear, and it’s a must that you clean your teeth and your trays thoroughly every day. Bacteria can build up on the trays while you sleep at night, and your trays will need to be cleaned. Rinse your aligners every time you remove them from your mouth, and brush and floss your teeth before placing the trays back in your mouth.
2. Track Your Schedule
You will need to switch to a new set of clear aligners about every two weeks, and you need to do this at the prescribed time to allow your teeth to shift as they are supposed to. Switch times must be followed for this treatment to be effective, and you can write these times on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone.
3. Store Your Aligners Properly
Whether you’re taking your aligners out to eat, brush, floss or play sports, you will have to store them safely. A plastic storage case is perfect because you can slip it into your pocket and protect your aligner from getting dirty or damaged.
4. Your Teeth Will Need Time to Adjust
With every set of clear aligners, your teeth will move in tiny increments, and your teeth will go through a period of adjustment for the first few days you wear a new set. Some soreness is common, and once your mouth adjusts, you should be back to normal.
5. Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
A proper oral hygiene routine is a must for everyone, but it is even more important for patients wearing clear aligners. These aligners must fit snugly against your teeth to realign them into their proper positions. Any particles on your teeth will be held there by the new aligners. To prevent bacteria, food and plaque from sticking to your teeth, you must brush and floss every time you remove your aligners and must stick to an excellent oral hygiene routine.
6. Change to New Aligners at Night
Some discomfort is very normal when you first switch sets of aligners; doing this at night will allow you to sleep through those first few hours.
7. Wear Your Aligners for 22 Hours Each Day
This is the only way your treatment will be effective, and you need to get enough daily wear time to ensure your teeth move into their proper positions. You have to wear your aligners for about 22 hours a day, and you may have to minimize the time it takes to eat or drink. You will only have two hours to eat each day, and you will have to monitor your diet and eating times as a result.
8. Have Backup Aligners
You never know when you will need backup, and it’s highly recommended that you have backup aligners with you in case you lose your first set. It can sometimes take a week for new aligners to come in, and your backup pair can also be used in these situations. This will prevent you from losing valuable progress.
9. Change Aligners in Private
We recommend you do this in private as it can be challenging and uncomfortable to do this while surrounded by friends or in a social environment. Clear aligners will be snug, and you may need a mirror to remove them and put them back in.
10. Ask Questions
Your Scarborough dentists are always ready to help and if you ever have questions regarding your Invisalign treatment plan, ask away! We will always provide you with answers and will gladly address your concerns.
If you want to learn more about Invisalign treatments, Hillsborough Dental Centre can help. Contact us today to speak to our dentists in Scarborough!
SHARE: