When compared to conventional metal braces, most teenagers would say that Invisalign treatment is a piece of cake! After all, you’re not required to wear any permanent hardware, and you won’t have to deal with the anxiety that comes with having unsightly metal vires in your mouth.
Nonetheless, any orthodontic procedure that includes moving and realigning your teeth will provide some difficulties and discomfort. Luckily, there are ways you can try to make your treatment more convenient and comfortable.
By using a few of the following simple Invisalign tips and techniques, you may maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.
1. Always have a case with you
The transparency of your Invisalign trays is both a benefit and a disadvantage. No one will realize you’re wearing trays, which is a good thing! It’s also a bit of a burden, since if you’re not careful, you may simply lose them.
Carry a case with you at all times and avoid taking out your Invisalign trays unless you have a case to conveniently place them in to reduce the possibility of losing them. This will keep you from making the all-too-common mistake of wrapping your trays in a napkin while eating and then throwing the napkin away.
2. Don’t throw out your old trays
At first glance, this may look strange. Why would you keep using your old trays after getting new ones? You’ll be glad you did in certain scenarios. If you lose your new trays, it may take a few days for your dentist to make and send a replacement set to you. Wearing your last set of trays is the most secure way to prevent your teeth from shifting back and hindering your treatment.
3. Make sure to keep your trays clean
If you do not properly care for your Invisalign trays, they will become discolored and unsanitary to wear in your mouth. Hence, develop a strict maintenance plan. This should include soaking the trays in a recommended cleaning solution for 30 minutes to an hour, as well as brushing them thoroughly several times on a daily basis.
4. Consider having a travel toothbrush
It’s awesome to be able to remove your trays and eat while on the road. However, you should not put your trays back in your mouth without properly brushing your teeth. Even if you aren’t always able to, have a portable toothbrush and toothpaste in your backpack so you may brush before putting your trays back in. This advice may be quite useful during your daily lunch break at school.
5. Ask your dentist for “chewies”
As your teeth adjust to the new aligners, the fit of your new set of trays may seem “wrong” at first. Request a set of “chewies,” which are simply tiny rolls of gauze, from your dentist to fill in any gaps that may still exist between your teeth and your new trays. You can bite down on these “chewies” for a short period of time during the first few days of using a new set of trays to enhance the fit and your comfort.
The bottom line
Even though Invisalign treatment is clearly one of the simplest ways to straighten your teeth and improve your smile, following some of these Invisalign tips may make the process even smoother. Check them out for yourself to see which will be the most helpful for you during your Invisalign journey. Discuss what works best for you with your dentist at each appointment during your Invisalign treatment.
