While many people are eager for a way to achieve a straighter, healthier, and more beautiful smile, they might be hesitant to commit to conspicuous and irremovable metal braces that require some irksome dietary restrictions. Thankfully, Invisalign allows patients to straighten out their smiles with removable and virtually invisible clear aligners that allow them to eat whatever they like. However, these clear aligners still require discipline on the patient’s part. Here are a few ways to get into great Invisalign habits before your treatment starts.
Get Used to Brushing More Frequently
People brush their teeth a lot when they’re wearing Invisalign. It’s important that you start with clean teeth before you put your aligners in, as wearing them over plaque and food debris can shelter the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease from the mouth’s natural cleaning process, allowing them to multiply undisturbed. For this reason, Invisalign patients must thoroughly brush and floss their teeth after each meal before putting their aligners back in. Keep in mind that it’s best for your enamel to wait at least thirty minutes after meals before brushing.
Get Used to Snacking Less Frequently
Invisalign clear aligners are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing, so they must be removed whenever the patient eats or drinks anything but liquid water. Since the clear aligners must be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours each day, an Invisalign patient will ideally only remove their aligners for meals and oral hygiene. After scheduling an appropriate allotment of time for meals, the patient will not have much time left for snacks. Getting used to fewer snacks before starting Invisalign can make it easier to wait between meals when treatment begins.
Put Together an Invisalign Kit
It’s quite likely that you’ll need to perform oral hygiene on the go when wearing Invisalign. To make this easier, start with a bag that can be easily cleaned and fill it with toothpaste, a toothbrush, dental floss, a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash, your Invisalign protector case, any tools you use for removing your aligners, and some over-the-counter pain medication. This should provide you with everything you need for a thorough oral hygiene session between meals.
A little preparation can help you make a strong start to your Invisalign process. By making the effort to comply with the treatment, you can achieve the best and quickest results possible.
About the Practice
Shinkawa Dental offers the finest oral health services available in Fresno, CA. Led by Drs. Gerald, Nicole, and Adam Shinkawa, the staff ensures that each patient receives effective treatments administered with courtesy and compassion. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign treatments. For more tips on preparing for Invisalign, contact the office online or dial (559) 226-5656.