Invisalign is the most comfortable and convenient orthodontic treatment available, and keeps your teeth visible for a picture-perfect smile. Still, some patients experience a learning curve when they receive their first set of trays. The best way to make sure you enjoy a smooth start to your straightening journey is to gear up and get ready! Keep reading for tips on how you can prepare for your clear aligners.
Build Good Oral Hygiene Habits
If you’d rather your clear trays stay invisible during your treatment, it’s important to brush your teeth after every meal. Putting Invisalign aligners on top of dirty teeth will likely stain the plastic or could even alter the shape.
Building up consistent oral hygiene habits before you receive your aligners will make it easier to stay the course later. Be sure to brush thoroughly for two minutes each session, and don’t forget to floss!
Be Ready to Brush On-The-Go
Since you’ll have to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day, there will likely be times when you’re out and about when it’s time to remove your trays and clean your teeth. Travel-sized tubes of toothpaste will fit in your purse or to-go bag better than a regular tube, and a travel case will help keep your toothbrush safe from bacteria. Floss picks are handy tools for quicker flossing and keeping an extra tray case in your to-go bag reduces your odds of leaving it at home.
Consider Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Invisalign cleaning crystals come in small packets. Like some electrolyte powders, you can simply tear open the packaging and drop the crystals into a glass of water. Soaking your aligners in this solution is a good way to sanitize them and will break up icky debris. Some patients like to use the cleaning crystals while they eat lunch to streamline maintenance and make their Invisalign easier to brush.
Don’t Miss Meals; Get A Removal Tool
Sometimes Invisalign trays can be surprisingly difficult to remove. They are, after all, designed to fit snuggly so they can nudge your teeth into more favorable positions comfortably. You shouldn’t give up on eating a meal because you can’t seem to take your aligners off, though! Aligner removal tools can help you pry them loose so you can fill up your stomach sooner rather than later.
Keeping these simple pointers in mind can prepare you for most hiccups you might encounter during the first week or two of your Invisalign treatment. If you ever happen to be stumped by an aligner problem, don’t be afraid to call up your dentist for solutions. They’re there to support your straightening journey and want to help you progress towards your dream smile as smoothly as possible!
About the Dentist
Dr. Michael C. Byars enjoys helping patients improve their self-esteem with quality dental services. To that end, he keeps his office up to date with the latest technological advancements in dentistry, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth discreetly and comfortably, Dr. Byars can help you prepare for an Invisalign treatment and provide results worth smiling about! To contact his office, call 816-781-8222.