What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for Invisalign®?

Orthodontic dentistry focuses on the realignment of jaws and repositioning of teeth. While metal braces have remained popular for many years to get the job done, they are not the only ones. Invisalign® is now gaining more popularity by the day because of the many benefits they present.

What Is Invisalign?

They are teeth aligners in orthodontic dentistry that shift teeth to reposition. They are unique from metal braces in that they do not feature metal brackets, bands, or wires. Instead, Invisalign features a clear plastic-like material. The features of Invisalign make it a virtually invisible solution for straightening teeth in orthodontics.

Things to Prepare for Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment is not a complex procedure that should get you very worked up with preparation. Usually, you only need to be keen with the instructions your dentist gives you during the first dental visit. Since Invisalign aligners are different from traditional metal braces, the instruction for usage and maintenance will also vary. Some of the Invisalign treatment tips to keep in mind are:

1. Regular dental visits – after every six weeks or so, you should remember to cost your dentist for monitoring and adjustment. The dentist will monitor the progress of your treatment then offer a new tray of Invisalign aligners to continue the treatment.
2. Soreness – your teeth and jawbone will be undergoing a transformation process that will leave them feeling sore most of the time. However, more of the discomfort will be when you get the new aligners, as they will be tighter than the previous ones. Since these steps will continue throughout your treatment plan, anticipate slight discomfort, soreness, and tension in your jawbone as your teeth move.
3. Removability – take time to learn how to remove and wear Invisalign safely because you will be doing that every day, especially when you need to eat. Being careful about handling the aligners will ensure they remain intact through the treatment process.
4. 20-22 hours wear time – since Invisalign braces are removable, you may easily forget to put them back for a long period. Doing so will disadvantage the speed of your treatment. Instead, your orthodontist will emphasize that you need to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours every day. The goal is to keep your teeth consistently shifting as per the treatment plan.
5. High oral hygiene standards – one of the benefits of Invisalign is that you can excel in oral hygiene. It is, in fact, necessary that you up your oral hygiene standards to care for your teeth aligners. The focus of your dental care will not only be on your teeth but also on your aligners. Be keen to learn from your dentist about how to keep your Invisalign clean and safe when you remove them.

What Should I Eat On the First Day of Invisalign?

The beauty of getting Invisalign braces at Montebello Dental Clinic is that they will not limit your food choices as is the case with traditional braces. For the entire time you have your Invisalign, they will be removable. It means that you can remove the braces each time you want to eat something the removability of the braces offers flexibility to patients to eat anything they want before they wear the aligners again. Some of the guidelines to help you eat well after getting Invisalign are:

1. Remove your aligners every time before eating anything. Do not be tempted to eat even soft foods with your Invisalign in your mouth. The idea is to protect them from cracking, chipping, or any other kind of damage.
2. Water is the only fluid you can drink while wearing your Invisalign. Technically, drinking water will not damage your Invisalign aligners.
3. Brush and floss before wearing your aligners – every time you remove your Invisalign to eat, remember to brush and floss your teeth before wearing them again. The process may seem tedious, especially if you are eating several times a day, but it is necessary. The reason is that Invisalign stains easily. Not cleaning your teeth well before wearing them will leave your Invisalign stained.
4. Avoid hard and crunchy foods – while you may have removed the Invisalign, you need to be gentle with handling your teeth. As your treatment continues, your mouth may feel sore, leading to some discomfort when chewing hard foods.