If you intend to straighten your teeth, you should consider Invisalign because it is more effective than most teeth straightening options. The Invisalign aligners are clear plastic orthodontic devices that are virtually invisible to others.
Using Invisalign aligners also mean that you can re-align your teeth and correct your bite problems without going through the stress of metal brackets and wires.
Invisalign may be more expensive than metal braces, and if you commit your money and time to get your teeth straightened, you would want your treatment to be successful. If you are already using Invisalign London, here are five tips to make your Invisalign experience worthwhile.
Make sure you wear your aligners for 22 hours every day
If you want your Invisalign aligners to be effective, you should wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours each day. You can only take out your aligners to brush your teeth, eat, and floss. Your treatment time may be shortened if you wear your aligners for long hours each day.
When you wear your first set of aligners and when you switch your aligner set, wear the aligners as long as possible for the first 48 hours. Most times, your orthodontist will advise you to start new sets of aligners at night before you sleep as this ensures that the aligners remain in your mouth for a long time.
When you start your treatment, you may experience an excess build-up of saliva, but this will stop within a few days as your mouth adjusts to the aligners. To minimize this side effect, sleep on your back or prop your head.
Clean your teeth and regularly, sterilize and organise your aligners
Don’t forget to brush and floss after every meal as it prevents food particles from getting stuck between your teeth. Always have a travel toothbrush and a small toothpaste with you because you may need them at any time.
Whenever you are not in a place where you can brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with mouthwash and a cup of warm water before you insert your aligners then brush as soon as you can. You may opt for a whitening toothpaste because your aligners will help hold the fluoride and whitening substance against your teeth for a longer time.
To clean your aligners, soak them in warm water and never use hot water because it will warp your aligners. Afterwards, brush the aligners gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. When the aligners are clean, re-rinse them before putting them into your mouth.
Your aligners can easily build-up tartar and when this happens, soak the aligners in an Invisalign special cleaning solution but do not use mouthwash as it can stain your aligners. Ensure that you keep your previous aligners. Arrange them and store in a labelled plastic bag so that when your new aligners get lost or damaged, you will have something to use while you wait for your replacement.
Limit your intake of certain beverages
During your Invisalign treatment, you have no eating restrictions but before you eat, take out your aligners.After the meal, brush andthen put your aligners back in your mouth. When you remove your aligners to eat, use the opportunity to soak your aligners in warm water.
You also have to take out your aligners when you want to take any hot beverage like coffee or tea. Hot liquid will warp your aligners, and colored drinks like coffee can stain them. Do not take cold drinks too when you have your aligners in your mouth. Opt for only water as even light-colored beverages can stain your aligners.
Limit your intake of alcohol too as the sugar content can cause the build-up of bacteria on your aligners. Clean your teeth thoroughly after you take any sugary drink to remove any residue trapped between your teeth.
Most chewing gums contain sugar, so orthodontists advise that if you want to use gum to clean your teeth and remove food debris, use a sugar-free one and chew the gum without your aligners in your mouth.
Keep track of your treatment
During your treatment, you can take a few selfies at every stage of your treatment to keep track of your progress. You can compare your photos every week to check for changes in your teeth. With this, you will see how much your teeth change.
Although the changes are difficult to notice, be consistent as most changes become visible around the eighteenth tray.
Follow your orthodontist’s orders
This is an essential Invisalign tip to maximize your treatment. Ensure that you attend all your check-ups as your orthodontist will determine your progress, give you recommendations, and orders to follow for your treatment to be successful.
Your orthodontist will also tell you the right time to switch your aligners. Ensure that you follow this order strictly. If you have any concerns or questions, your orthodontist will address them during your check-ups.
If you need an orthodontist, you can trust for your Invisaligntreatment in the UK, contact London Braces on 020 37457520 to book an appointment for your first Invisalign consultation.
