Invisalign aligners are clear plastic trays that you wear on your teeth to fix issues like crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, cross-bite, an open bite, gaps in your teeth, or teeth that are simply crooked. Because they can fix so many different issues, they are a great option for almost anyone.
The Invisalign aligners are made using 3D technology that first digitally render the trays and then cut and shape the plastic perfectly to fit your mouth. One of the biggest benefits of choosing Invisalign braces, is the fact that they are made out of clear plastic and very unnoticeable.
This definitely isn't true of traditional braces. There are certain things that you must do in order to get the most out of your Invisalign aligners and have the most effective treatment. Here are four tips.
Wear Them Consistently
When you have traditional metal braces, they are attached to your teeth 24/7. While you have the option to remove your Invisalign aligners in certain situations, it is important that you keep them in your mouth for 21-22 hours each day. This allows the Invisalign aligners to effectively move your teeth into place over the course of your treatment.
The only times that you should be removing your Invisalign aligners is when you eat and when you brush and floss your teeth. Then, just as soon as you are done eating or brushing your teeth, you should place them right back in your mouth.
Change Your Trays Right On Time
As your teeth shift, you will need new trays in order to accommodate this movement. This helps to ensure that your teeth keep moving into alignment throughout the course of treatment and it also ensures that your trays fit your teeth properly.
It is often recommended that you change out your Invisalign aligners every two weeks. Your dentist can tell you exactly when they would like you to change them out, but it is so important that you listen to them.
By changing out your aligners on time, you help make sure that no progress is lost and you can stay on track in terms of your treatment. If you happen to delay moving into another tray, then you stop progress in its tracks and simply make it so that you will be wearing your Invisalign aligners for a longer period of time.
Take Care Of Your Teeth
If you don't take proper care of your teeth throughout your Invisalign treatment, then you may end up with cavities or other teeth issues. This can hinder the progress of your treatment and it can also be very damaging and harmful to your teeth and overall oral health.
In order to properly care for your teeth, make sure you are brushing and flossing regularly. Also, try to limit the amount of sugared and sticky foods that you are eating, such as taffy, hard candies, sugared gums, etc.
And, if you do choose to eat these foods, be sure to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back on. Otherwise, all of the sugar will simply eat away at your teeth under your aligners.
Go To Your Regularly Scheduled Appointments
Most dentists like you to visit them every 6-8 weeks during the course of your Invisalign treatment. This allows them to make sure that things are on track in terms of your treatment and allows them to inspect your current set of aligners. They may even add some additional attachments to your aligners at this time, such as SmartForce attachments, that attach directly onto your teeth and help to move them.
In order to get the most out of your Invisalign aligners, it is important that you wear them regularly, you change them at the scheduled intervals, you take good care of your teeth, and you attend your regularly scheduled appointments.
For more information about Invisalign, you can contact us here.
