Posted on March 30, 2018
Between augmented reality video games, all-electric vehicles, and avocado toast, we think it’s a pretty great time to be alive. With all the new technology that’s around to make our lives easier, our personal favorite is Invisalign.
Yes, we’re orthodontics nerds.
Invisalign really is a great invention. For those who want to straighten out their teeth, without the traditional metal bracket-and-wire braces, it’s nice to have a solution like Invisalign. They are super convenient, and they might be a great option if you are in sports or play certain musical instruments.
The key to having a good experience with Invisalign is to commit to it. You’ll want to make sure that your treatment is seamless and quick. Here are some tips that we have for you to get the most out of Invisalign!
Seriously. For at least 22 hours (yes, there are that many hours in a day). Those extra two hours are for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth – use that time wisely! Unfortunately, you will have to eliminate snacking and coffee breaks during your treatment. On the plus side, if your goal this year was to lose weight, you might see some of those results too!
When you do take a break to eat, set a timer to remind yourself to put the Invisalign trays back in. Pretty soon, you might not have to – it will become instinct!
No, not “Chewbacca”. Although that would be cool – we’d give that Chewie a big hug.
If there are gaps between the aligners and your teeth, that means that your trays are not fitting quite right. Biting down onto the chewies will help with the movement of your teeth and setting the aligners in the right place. So when you can, embrace the chewies.
People who choose traditional metal braces usually experience discomfort and soreness. While Invisalign users don’t experience that same feeling, you might have some sore spots on your gums and mouth from a bit of extra plastic that shouldn’t be there. On a new set of trays, there might be some rough edges that irritate your mouth. Some ways you can smooth this out on your own is by using a nail file. Of course, if you are worried about accidentally taking a big chunk out of the aligner, the best option is to come into our office for a trim.
After every meal, you’ll need to make sure that your teeth are squeaky clean. That means brushing and flossing thoroughly. We hate to say it, but if you don’t do this, your teeth could really take a hit. Invisalign trays are shaped to your teeth, and when they are in, they will hold in any leftover food or bacteria that was left in your mouth. Usually, saliva can help there and try to get your mouth clean again. But when those trays are pressing right up against your teeth, the saliva can’t do its work. Which brings us to our next point…
Most people ignore this piece of advice. But it is so important, especially when your teeth are shifting and moving as a result of orthodontic treatments. Having your teeth examined and cleaned regularly is the key to having a beautiful and healthy smile that you can show off for the rest of your life. If you are committing to Invisalign, then you should also commit to a healthy lifestyle!
Whatever your situation is, Invisalign can be a great choice for you and your smile. Here at Orthodontics LA, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve a smile that they can be confident in. Visit our offices in Glendale and Encino for more information on Invisalign.
