When it comes to discreetly aligning your teeth, there’s no better solution than Invisalign. Though this may seem like an effortless solution, it is important to remember that success ultimately hinges on how well the patient adheres to their treatment plan. To lend some advice on how to do just that, here is a brief list with a few tips on how to get the most out of your
Invisalign treatment.
Your Old Aligners Will Come in Handy
Make no mistake, you should definitely dispose of your old aligners, as there’s no legitimate reason to keep them around. However, upon getting a new set, keeping your most recent pair is a good idea just in case the former meets an unfortunate end or gets lost.
Make a Habit Out of Wearing Your Aligners
With Invisalign, proper upkeep entails wearing your aligners for 22 hours per day. In fact, they should only be removed when you are eating or engaging in your daily oral hygiene routine. Unfortunately, failure to adhere to this relatively simple step is one of the most common reasons for prolonged treatment. This is because inconsistencies give your teeth plenty of time to rearrange themselves, as they are no longer held in place by the aligner. If something like this occurs, all is not lost. However, you will likely incur more costs due to the fact that your orthodontist will need new impressions of your teeth and will have to remake the aligners.
Chew to Conformity
Chewies are long circular pieces of hardened plastic that are great for conforming your aligners to your teeth. One reason you may need to use them is if you have air pockets in the space between the aligner and your teeth. To use, simply bite the chewies for around 10 minutes and at least 3 times per day. In addition to solving the problem of air pockets, chewies will accelerate your overall treatment time.
Maintain a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
The only time you should ever remove your aligners is when you are eating or when you are brushing and flossing your teeth. Concerning the latter, make sure to maintain a daily oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing both your teeth and your aligner, as well as flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and preferably using a tongue scraper. For brushing your aligner, use a soft-bristled non-eclectic toothbrush and a little bit of toothpaste.
