The appearance of conventional braces has always been an issue for many orthodontic patients. While they want an even and balanced smile, the metallic appearance of bands and wires is not ideal.
That may be a big part of why Invisalign® made such an immediate impact on people in search of discreet ways to straighten crooked teeth. Invisalign represents a completely new approach to moving teeth into ideal alignment. While both systems produce the same results, the clear trays of Invisalign can be easily removed for eating and cleaning.
When you’ve made the decision to try Invisalign, book a consultation with Perfect Smiles Dental of Pleasant Hill, located in Pleasant Hill, California. As cosmetic dentistry specialists, Dr. Nupur Gupta and her team recommend Invisalign for people with mild to moderate teeth alignment needs.
Once your teeth are scanned and your first series of trays are ready, it’s up to you to follow the treatment plan to assure successful results. Dr. Gupta recommends these five ways to make the most of your Invisalign treatment.
1. Put the time in
One of the essential differences between Invisalign and conventional braces is that you can remove your clear aligner trays. In fact, you must remove them to eat and drink, as well as for your dental hygiene routine.
But that can quickly become a problem if you’re removing your trays too often. It’s recommended that you wear your aligners 20 of 22 hours every day. Any less and it may extend your treatment period.
2. Make the switch
Typically, you receive a series of several trays at each visit. Follow Dr. Gupta’s instructions and switch your trays on schedule. The proprietary material of the Invisalign tray places the force on your teeth that cause them to move. They can’t, however, push your teeth past their point of maximum adjustment. That’s the job of the next tray in the series.
3. Cleaning is key
Unlike the complexities of brushing and flossing around braces, Invisalign poses few issues. Simply pop out your tray before you eat or drink, clean your teeth, and replace the tray. However, it’s essential that you clean your teeth well because the trays can trap and hold food particles against your teeth. That can accelerate the conditions that cause decay.
4. Resist temptation
When your trays are in place, the only safe food or drink is water. It’s tempting to sip your coffee on the way to work or school, but not only can beverages seep in behind your trays, drinks like coffee, tea, and soda can stain your trays, defeating their purpose as an invisible alignment system.
5. Don’t forget your trays
Cleaning extends to your Invisalign trays, too. Since they come out when you’re eating and drinking, there’s no diet modification necessary as there is with braces. However, the clear material used for your trays can stain. Brush and rinse your trays when you clean your teeth.
You play an active role in your Invisalign treatment and that makes the success of your treatment partly your responsibility. As well as these tips, be sure to follow the instructions and procedures offered by Dr. Gupta and her team. Doing so ensures that your treatment is successful.
Start your journey to an Invisalign smile by consulting with our experts at Perfect Smiles Dental of Pleasant Hill. Contact the office by phone or online to schedule your first appointment today.