If you have an orthodontic issue like misaligned teeth, underbite, or overbite, you can get Invisalign to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. Invisalign clear aligners are removable, and you only need a few visits to the orthodontist to check the progress of your treatment.
Invisalign has several features which make them a better teeth-straightening option for most people. Here are some important Invisalign tips you should know if you want to get Invisalign braces near me.
- Wear your aligners
Although Invisalign aligners are removable, you still need to wear your aligners for the recommended number of hours daily for them to work. Since Invisalign is removable, it has no food restriction, and you can brush your teeth without stress.
However, if you forget to wear your aligners after your meals, you won’t get the desired result. You need your Invisalign aligners in your mouth for 20 – 122 hours daily if you don’t want to have an extended treatment time.
You should brush your teeth and clean your aligners after each meal, so you don’t forget to Insert the aligner back in your mouth.
- Clean the aligner trays properly
During your Invisalign treatment, you need to pay extra attention to cleaning your aligners to prevent discoloration, the build-up of bacteria, and odor on the aligners. You should clean your aligners every morning after brushing your teeth because, while sleeping, bacteria accumulate in your trays and teeth. Ensure you clean both your teeth and aligner trays at night before you go to sleep.
Whenever you take your aligner trays out, rinse them to remove plaque and dry saliva. If you fail to rinse your aligners properly, bacteria will accumulate on them. A clear, unscented anti-bacterial soap will help keep your aligners clean.
After soaking your aligners in an Invisalign cleaning crystal or denture cleaning solution, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, not the one used for your teeth to remove the plaque and lingering food particles gently. Do this when at home and outdoor to keep your aligners clean.
Before you put your trays in your mouth, brush and floss your teeth to prevent food particles from getting trapped between your teeth and aligner trays. If you cannot brush your teeth, rinse your mouth thoroughly, then brush as soon as you can.
- Do not leave your aligners in the open
Whenever you take out your aligners, keep them safe in an Invisalign case. Leaving your aligners in the open exposes them to airborne germs and bacteria and increases the chances of the aligners getting lost or damaged.
If you do not have your Invisalign case and leave your aligners in the open, ensure you rinse the aligners, soak and re-rinse them before you put the aligners in your mouth.
- Do not clean your aligners with toothpaste
Cleaning your teeth with toothpaste prevents plaque and keeps your teeth healthy, but you should not use toothpaste on your aligners. Toothpaste will discolor your aligners and scratch the surface, creating breeding spots for bacteria. Toothpaste will make the aligners look dull, making them more noticeable, defeating the purpose of discreetly straightening your teeth.
Try not to use either scented or colored soap to clean your aligners because they would stain the aligners and leave them with an unpleasant taste.
- Your mouth will adjust overtime
Your mouth will need to adjust to having a foreign object, but it does not take long for the mouth to adjust to Invisalign, unlike other braces. Invisalign has no metal brackets or wires, so you would not experience gum or tooth irritation from having metal in your mouth.
However, you need to gradually adjust to speaking with the aligners in your mouth, removing and inserting the aligners in your mouth. You may experience soreness when you start using the aligners, and when you switch to a new set of aligners, it will subside after a few days.
- The designation of the Invisalign provider is an important factor
Your Invisalign provider’s experience is important as a provider who has worked with several Invisalign patients would be more skilled than those who work mainly with metal braces. Invisalign offers designation to Invisalign providers based on their level of expertise.
Invisalign offers three designations to providers depending on the number of patients they have treated. The designations include Preferred, Premier, and Premier Elite with Invisalign Premier Elite been the highest level of provider.
Although the Invisalign providers’ designation matters, it is only one aspect you should consider when choosing an Invisalign provider. Other things to consider include how the dental practice treats their patients, the cost of Invisalign and your comfort during treatment.
If you need affordable Invisalign braces from an experienced Invisalign provider, visit London Braces today or contact us on 020 3745 7520 to schedule an appointment.