After getting Invisalign braces, it is important to follow certain steps in order to ensure the success of your treatment and achieve your desired results. Adhering to the following recommendations guarantees smooth sailing throughout your invisalign braces journey.
Wear aligners according to schedule:
Your orthodontist will prescribe a series of aligners designed to shift teeth gradually over time. Strict adherence to wearing schedules ensures timely progression and prevents unnecessary complications. Typically, patients must wear their trays for 20-22 hours daily, removing them solely for meals, cleaning, or occasional photographs. Neglecting this routine may prolong treatment duration or compromise results.
Clean teeth and aligners regularly:
Maintaining impeccable dental hygiene remains vital during Invisalign therapy. Food particles trapped beneath aligners accelerate bacterial growth, increasing susceptibility to cavities and gum disease. Routine brushing, flossing, and rinsing eliminate residue while safeguarding oral wellbeing. Likewise, clean aligners thoroughly with gentle soap and lukewarm water, avoiding hot temperatures that warp plastic trays.
Attend appointments consistently:
Regular checkups allow orthodontists to monitor progress, address emerging issues, and furnish new aligners as needed. Missing appointments disrupts continuity, hindering advancement and possibly extending overall treatment length. Commit to scheduling periodic visits and maintaining open communication channels with healthcare providers.
Address discomfort quickly:
Minor soreness frequently accompanies initial tray installations and subsequent transitions between stages. Over-the-counter analgesics alleviate temporary discomfort, while sipping cold water soothes tender tissues. Should pain persist or intensify unexpectedly, notify your dentist to investigate causes and recommend appropriate interventions.
Store trays properly:
When not worn, store aligners inside designated cases to shield them from damage, loss, or contamination. Leaving trays exposed invites accidental disposal or ingestion by pets, children, or unsuspecting adults. Establishing a dedicated storage spot nurtures diligent habits and mitigates avoidable mishaps.
Limit snacking between meals:
Removing aligners for eating permits greater freedom than conventional braces but entails discipline to maintain proper alignment. Minimize snacking between meals and consume beverages through straws to reduce exposure to sugary substances and acidic drinks detrimental to tooth enamel. Refrain from chewing gum or consuming sticky candies that cling to trays and obstruct effective movement.
Switching to fresh trays necessitates gradual adaptation to facilitate comfortable fitting and diminished discomfort. Orthodontists advise inserting new aligners initially for short intervals, incrementally increasing wear time until fully adjusted. Following this approach eases tension and optimizes therapeutic efficacy.