Looking to straighten your teeth without traditional metal brackets and wires? Invisalign in Edmonton is a convenient and more comfortable alternative to braces. Invisalign aligners are removable and allow you to eat and brush your teeth just as you normally would. The Invisalign system consists of a series of plastic trays which gradually shift the teeth into their ideal positions.
To ensure your Invisalign is as effective and efficient as possible, we have prepared a list of tips and tricks you can use to get the most out of your treatment.
-
Floss Daily
Brushing daily is imperative, but you can’t only rely on your toothbrush to keep your teeth clean. With Invisalign, flossing is more important than ever before. This is because your aligners accumulate debris and bacteria and when they are worn, they prevent saliva from washing away gunk.
-
Stick to the 48-hour Instruction
Your dentist in Edmonton will provide you with instructions for your Invisalign. Each time you switch to a new set of aligners, you must wear them as much as possible during the first 48 hours. The aligners should only be removed when you eat, drink or brush your teeth and should be inserted back into your mouth immediately afterward.
-
Commit to Wearing Them a Minimum of 22 Hours per Day
Invisalign is only successful if you wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time. If you are removing your aligners and forgetting to pop them back into your mouth, then you won’t notice any changes. Improper use can result in delayed treatment time.
-
Change Your Aligners on Time and in the Right Order
If your dentist in Edmonton says it is time to change your aligners, make sure you listen to them. If they instruct you to wear your set of aligners for a few more days, make sure you listen to them too. Ignoring your dentist’s instructions won’t make your Invisalign treatment any faster.
-
You’ll get use to the Feeling of Your Aligners
As with any orthodontic treatment, it will take a bit of time to adjust to the appliance. Initially, most patients have stated that they can feel their aligners pushing against their teeth. However, this sensation will dissipate as time goes on and your mouth becomes accustomed to the aligners.
-
There is a Speech Learning Curve
When you insert your very first set of aligners, you will notice that your speech may sound a little funny. Don’t panic… this just simply means you need more practice talking with your aligners in your mouth.
-
Most People Won’t Notice Your Aligners
One fear patients seem to have when it comes to their Invisalign aligners is the visibility aspect. Some patients are concerned that others will notice they are wearing the Invisalign trays. However, Invisalign is virtually invisible and when compared to the alternative (metal braces) they are much more discrete.
-
Don’t Avoid Invisalign Attachments
Many patients receive attachments known as “buttons” at our dental clinic in Edmonton. Attachments help to accelerate treatment time as they hold the aligners in place and help to shift the teeth.
-
Take Care of Your Aligners
Use warm water and clear antibacterial soap to clean your aligners. While it might seem basic, soap and water is actually the best strategy you can use to keep your aligners clean. Avoid using toothpaste to clean your aligners, as it is slightly abrasive and can scratch them.
-
Follow Your Dentists Dietary Instructions
Drinking water is essential when you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Some patients may find they become dehydrated when wearing braces or Invisalign as their mouth produces excess saliva. For more information regarding dietary recommendations, speak with a dentist near you.
