Invisalign treatment is dependent on the compliance of the patient. If you follow the rules of your Fort Lauderdale Invisalign provider and maintain the condition of your aligners, there should be nothing to worry about and success is just around the corner. There are many ways to make Invisalign work for you, but the most important behaviors are outlined below.
1. Wear the Trays
Sounds simple enough, right? Just put the Invisalign trays in every day. There’s a little more nuance though when dentists talk about the daily wear of invisible aligners. Patients must have the trays on their teeth for 20 to 22 hours a day (including while sleeping) to get the most out of them. This allows for about a four-hour window to remove the trays for meals, snacks, and cleanings.
2. Clean the Aligners
Though each set of Invisalign trays are worn for only about two weeks at a time, they still need to be cleaned daily. One skipped cleaning and you’re on your way to trays that are gross and full of odors. Plus, with this unpleasantness close to tooth enamel you increase the chance of cavities. When you clean your teeth, clean the trays.
3. See the Dentist
It is incredibly important to see your Invisalign provider every six to eight weeks as scheduled and honor these arrangements. At each visit, you will receive more aligners to wear but you’ll also get a checkup that shows the progress being made and whether trays are being worn appropriately.
4. Change the Trays
You might think you’ll remember to change Invisalign trays as instructed, but add reminders to your phone and physical calendars. Certain teeth are meant to move at certain times and changing the trays as told is the only way the alignment can proceed at the appropriate pace.
5. Carry a Case
Feel like you have enough things to carry? An Invisalign case won’t add much to the load. It’s necessary to keep a case with you so trays can be stashed in a safe place during meals. They’re less likely to be thrown away, misplaced, wrapped up in a napkin, or broken in a pocket or bag. Living with Invisalign is easier than you think.
6. Watch What You Eat
There are no food restrictions when it comes to Invisalign since the aligners are removed for all meals. However, teeth will be tender and crunchy and chewy foods will be a challenge, at least in the beginning. Stick to soft stuff to be kind to your changing mouth but remember – just because a food is soft and easy to eat doesn’t mean you can chow down with Invisalign in place.
7. Wear a Retainer
All that hard work to get a straight smile with Invisalign is only worth it if you wear your customized retainer when treatment is complete. Most of the time the instruction will be for nighttime retainer wear but listen to your dentist and know that, soon enough, your smile will be free and beautiful.
Visit Fort Lauderdale Invisalign provider Dr. Charmaine Johnson at Premier Smile Center to find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
