So you’ve just started treatment with Invisalign and you’re on your way to the smile of your dreams. Congratulations! At Davis Orthodontics, we’re huge believers in the magic of Invisalign and we can’t wait to see where your treatment takes you. But as exciting as it is to look forward to the new you, adjusting to any orthodontic treatment can take some time. This is why we have compiled some of our best Invisalign tips and tricks, to help you settle into your treatment easily.
Your teeth are moving slowly to their new position. You have to be more diligent about brushing and flossing. You need to wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 20 hours a day. It might seem like there are a lot of new rules you need to follow, but trust us — it’s totally worth it to keep your treatment on track. As your Greer and Simpsonville orthodontists, we want to make sure your Invisalign treatment as effective as possible. Here are our tips and tricks to help make your treatment with Invisalign feel like a breeze.
- Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal
One of the best benefits of Invisalign is that, unlike braces, you can remove your aligners when you eat. That means you can still enjoy all of your favorite foods during treatment without worrying about damaging your device. You can also easily brush and floss just as you usually would, without tricky brackets and wires getting in the way.
The biggest difference you’ll notice in your oral hygiene routine is how frequently you have to brush your teeth. During treatment, you’ll need to brush your teeth after every single snack, beverage and meal — no exceptions! If you don’t, food particles will remain on your teeth trapped beneath your aligners which could lead to harmful plaque build-up or cavities. To avoid delays in your treatment, always have a travel toothbrush on hand so you’re prepared to no matter where you are.
- Clean Your Aligners Properly
Just like you need to brush your teeth after every meal, you should also clean your aligners before you put them back in. That’s because certain foods (like tomatoes or beets) run the risk of staining your aligners, even if you brush your teeth.
When cleaning your aligners, there are a few simple rules to follow to make sure you don’t damage them. First, always use lukewarm water instead of hot water because hot water can cause the plastic to warp. Then all you need to do is brush your aligners using your toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. And voila — sparkly clean aligners!
- Always Use Your Invisalign Case When You Remove Your Aligners
Our Greer and Simpsonville Invisalign patients always love the fact that they can remove their aligners to eat. But one of the most common issues we have with Invisalign patients is lost aligners. Losing a set of aligners can set your treatment time back, so it’s extremely important to keep track of your aligners whenever you take them out of your mouth. Always have your Invisalign case with you so you know exactly where your aligners are. This is one of the easiest ways to get the most out of Invisalign treatment.
- Download the “My Invisalign” Smartphone App
Imagine if you could get reminders of when to switch to a new set of aligners or easily keep track of how long you’ve worn them each day. Well, you can do all of this and so much more with the “My Invisalign” smartphone app. You can track your aligner sets, get appointment reminders and find answers to all your burning questions. You can even see your new smile take shape before your eyes with the Smile Gallery. The Invisalign app is a fun way to keep yourself motivated to stay on top of your treatment schedule.
- Wear Your Aligners for At Least 20 Hours Per Day — Yes, Really!
Our Invisalign patients often ask us if they really have to wear their aligners all day long. The answer is a resounding YES! There’s no quick fix when it comes to orthodontics. To get the results you want, you absolutely must wear your aligners for the recommended minimum of 20 hours a day. Basically, you should only remove your aligners while you eat, brush and floss. When it comes to Invisalign, the more you wear your aligners the better!
- Pre-book Your Appointments with Your Simpsonville and Greer Orthodontist
Another amazing benefit of Invisalign? It requires fewer visits to the orthodontist. With braces, you need to see your orthodontist every month but with Invisalign, you only need to come in every six to eight weeks. Your appointments will also be shorter, since you don’t need to have your braces tightened. Dr. Buddy will simply do a quick check-up, assess your progress, and send you on your way. At Davis Orthodontics, we know how busy your schedule can get. That’s why we always recommend pre-booking your appointments with Dr. Buddy to make sure your treatment stays on track.
As you ease into life with Invisalign, keep these Invisalign tips and tricks on top of mind to get the most out of your treatment. And if you ever have more questions about Invisalign or your aligners, just give Davis Orthodontics a call. We’re always here to help.
