Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses removable, clear aligners to gradually move crooked teeth into an aligned position, much like traditional metal braces do. If your dentist in Kitchener has recommended that you try Invisalign near you, it is important to follow their recommendations carefully to get the most out of your treatment. Here are some tips from our team at Crescent Oak Dental on how you can ensure success with your Invisalign treatment.
1. Wear Your Aligners
It may surprise you to find out that the biggest and most common mistake Invisalign users make is failing to wear their aligners as often as they should. You should be trying to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. If you leave your aligners out of your mouth for too long, it can hinder and extend the treatment process. You should only ever remove your aligners to eat and clean your teeth and aligners.
2. Change Your Aligners On Schedule
Your dentist near you will give you a schedule for when you should switch out your aligners and in which order they need to be changed. In most cases, your aligners are switched out every two weeks. It is important that you do not try to speed up your treatment by switching aligners too soon because this could ultimately hinder your treatment period.
3. Combat Soreness and Tenderness
At Crescent Oak Dental, we always do our best to ensure that your aligners fit comfortably in your mouth. That being said, some discomfort is hard to avoid entirely.
Fortunately, you can do some things to combat this tenderness and feel a bit more comfortable during your Invisalign process:
- When you have your aligners out, suck on an ice cube to soothe your gums
- Avoid chew, crispy, or crunchy foods when you notice soreness in your gums or teeth
- When it is time to switch out your aligners, switch them early on in the day
- Visit your dentist if you feel a rough or jagged edge on your aligners
4. Take Care of Your Aligners
If you choose to get Invisalign in Kitchener, you need to be committed to cleaning your aligners daily. Invisalign aligners are easy to maintain and can be cleaned with warm water and antibacterial soap. Never use toothpaste to clean your aligners, as this can scratch them.
5. Wear Your Retainer
After you are done with your aligners, you will have to wear a retainer to hold your teeth in their new positions. A lot of patients don’t recognize the importance of a retainer because their teeth already look perfect. However, if you skip using your retainer, your teeth can easily drift back to their old positions, and you will have to undergo Invisalign treatment all over again! For this reason, our team recommends that you always speak to our dentist about how often and how long you should wear your retainer upon completing your treatment.
Interested in Invisalign?
If you are considering this innovative and convenient alternative to traditional braces for straightening your teeth, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of dedicated dental professionals at Crescent Oak Dental. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about this treatment and get you started on your Invisalign journey.