Invisalign treatment is an incredible alternative to traditional braces that are suitable for people of all ages. To date, more than 14 million people have improved their smiles using Invisalign, including 3 million teenagers.
If you are not completely satisfied with your smile, then Invisalign is highly recommended. It’s an affordable, effective, comfortable, convenient, and fast-acting treatment option.
In this blog post, we will highlight 7 tips for getting started with Invisalign in Vernon Hills. If you are planning to get Invisalign clear aligners in the near future, then keep reading for lots of relevant information!
1. Wear Your Aligners for 22 Hours Per Day
Undoubtedly, one of the great benefits of opting for Invisalign treatment is that they are removable. This means you can take them out whenever you are eating and when you are brushing/flossing your teeth. Not being able to remove metal braces is one of their biggest drawbacks, so thankfully this isn’t the case with Invisalign.
However, you must still remember to wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours per day for them to be effective. Basically, you should aim to wear your aligners all the time aside from eating and brushing/flossing. The good news is that the aligners are comfortable and you may even forget that you are wearing them!
2. Store Your Aligners Properly
Following on from the above point, it’s essential that you correctly store your retainers whenever you aren’t wearing them. Given that they are small and clear, it’s easy to forget where you left them. Therefore, we recommend that you simply use the protective case that is provided and store your aligners there whenever you are eating or brushing/flossing.
This is very important because if you misplace your aligners, a replacement set will need to be made. This will cause a delay in your treatment and push back your estimated completion time.
3. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Aligners
Speaking of brushing and flossing your teeth, it’s also important to take good care of your aligners. Therefore, we recommend that you clean your aligners daily. This will help to avoid bacteria and plaque building up, which gives the aligners a stained appearance and potentially impacts your treatment.
But don’t worry, as cleaning Invisalign aligners is quick and easy. Simply rinse them every night with running water and brush them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a clear liquid soap. This helps to remove any food particles or debris that have accumulated while wearing them.
4. Always Change Your Aligners During the Right Time Frame
Traditional metal braces work using wires and brackets to move and straighten the teeth. With Invisalign, there aren’t any moving parts.
Rather, patients switch aligners every one to two weeks, with each plastic tray working to shift the teeth a small amount. Over time and with a number of different aligners, the patient’s teeth gradually shift in the desired position.
So, it is very important that you are punctual in changing your aligners and do so within the right time frame. Otherwise, your treatment may not be fully successful or it may be delayed.
5. Be Proactive in Cleaning Your Teeth
We have already spoken of the importance of cleaning your aligners on a daily basis. Don’t forget to pay close attention to your teeth throughout the period you are wearing Invisalign clear aligners.
This will serve to keep your aligners clean and fresh as well as prevent oral health problems which could delay your progress. Given that patients take their aligners out during meals, it’s a good idea to brush and floss your teeth immediately after eating and before your put your aligners back in your mouth.
If you simply aren’t able to brush your teeth after eating (perhaps you are at work or school), then try to at least rinse your mouth with water or quickly chew some sugar-free gum.
6. Don’t Skip Dental Visits
In one way, Invisalign treatment is quite “hands-off”. Patients are able to change their aligners as necessary and there is very little maintenance required. With traditional braces, patients typically have to visit their orthodontist to have the wires or brackets adjusted.
That said, it’s important to always go to your scheduled follow-up appointments. These appointments serve to check to make sure that the aligners are fitting properly and that your progress is on track. These appointments typically occur every four to six weeks.
Throughout your treatment period, you should avoid skipping routine dental cleanings. These cleaning will help to keep your teeth and gums in a healthy condition which will aid the progress of your Invisalign treatment.
7. Speak to Your Orthodontist if You Have Doubts
If you do have any doubts about Invisalign treatment, either before starting or during the process itself, don’t hesitate to speak to your orthodontist.
They will be happy to answer any questions you have and explain the entire process to you in a clear and understandable way.
Get Started With Invisalign in Vernon Hills
While every case is different, patients typically wear Invisalign clear aligners for between 12 and 18 months. By following the above tips, you can avoid experiencing any delays in your treatment. Before you know it, you will have amazing straight teeth that will give you a reason to smile!
Your premier Glenview orthodontist for Invisalign is Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics. We have years of experience and more than 20,000 happy patients.
To get started with Invisalign in Vernon Hills, contact our friendly team today. We look forward to speaking with you about teen or adult orthodontics.
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