22 Apr 2022
You may have heard that Invisalign treatment offers a convenient and discreet way to straighten your teeth, but how much do you really know about this type of orthodontics? Do you know what it takes to get the most impressive results?
There is a lot to learn about this revolutionary treatment, especially if you are interested in undergoing it yourself. Our guide will outline 10 of the most important things you need to know about Invisalign treatment to ensure excellent results.
Top 10 Things to Know About Invisalign
1. You Must Wear Your Aligners Every Day
For Invisalign treatment to be successful, patients must wear their aligners for 22 hours a day, every single day. This includes the hours they spend sleeping.
Aligners are only to be removed when you are eating, brushing, or flossing. You may also need to remove them to participate in contact sports where a mouthguard is required. If you remove your aligners for any other reason, you may unnecessarily lengthen your total treatment time.
2. Your Aligners May Interfere with Your Speech
When you first receive your Invisalign aligners, you may speak with a lisp. This is because the aligners take up more space in your mouth than you are used to and interfere with the way your tongue and teeth come together to form words.
Not to worry, however – this problem is temporary. Your mouth will gradually adapt to the presence of the aligners the longer you wear them, and speech typically returns to normal after a few days of practice.
3. Total Treatment Length Varies
Invisalign treatment varies in total length from patient to patient. Most people will wear their Invisalign aligners for at least a few months, and many need to wear them for a few years.
Your Invisalign dentist in Mississauga will give you an estimate of your total treatment time when starting, but it is important to remember that this is only an estimate. If you do not wear your aligners as directed, your treatment will take longer.
4. It Yields Fast Results
Orthodontic treatment takes time and effort, leading many patients to eagerly look for ways to shorten their treatment time. Invisalign can help in this respect. It typically produces faster results than traditional braces, allowing you to get your treatment completed as quickly as possible so you can spend more time enjoying the results.
5. Flossing is Key
Good brushing habits are essential during Invisalign treatment, but diligent flossing may be even more important. Without good flossing habits, bacteria will begin to grow between your teeth and may cause cavities to develop in the contact spaces. Food can also become stuck between your teeth and cause your aligners to feel tighter than they should in certain places.
To avoid these problems, be sure to floss at least once a day, and ideally after each meal. The more you floss, the more likely it is that you will avoid these problems during your treatment.
6. Keep Your Aligners Clean
Your aligners should be in direct contact with your teeth most of the time, so it is vital to keep them clean and free of bacteria. Clean them regularly using a toothbrush and some clear liquid soap. You can also scrub or soak them using an aligner cleaner. If you choose to use a product like this, be sure to follow the instructions on the package very carefully to get the full disinfecting effect.
7. Remove Your Aligners Before Eating and Drinking
Wearing your aligners consistently may be important but taking them out when necessary is just as essential to proper treatment. Remove your aligners anytime you are eating or drinking anything other than water.
This will help keep your aligners free of stains and bits of food that could get stuck near your teeth and feed bacteria. Remember to put your aligners back as soon as you are done with your food, as treatment compliance is essential to good outcomes.
8. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Excellent oral hygiene is essential to successful Invisalign treatment. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly after every meal, taking care to keep your aligner out of your mouth until you have cleaned away all of the residue from your food and drink.
If you cannot brush and floss right away, try to swish some water around in your mouth for the time being. The goal is to keep your teeth as clean as possible, avoiding trapping food particles and bacteria inside the aligners, which promote tooth decay.
9. Rinse Your Aligners Regularly
Like the rest of your mouth, your aligners will experience bacterial growth over the course of a typical day. Cleaning them regularly greatly reduces this growth, but it does not stop it completely.
To combat this problem, rinse them with water whenever you have the opportunity. This will wash away some of the bacteria and contaminants stuck to them and help to keep your aligners hygienic and stain-free between more thorough cleanings.
10. Do Not Use Mouthwash or Toothpaste as Cleaning Agents
To clean your aligners properly, you will need the right supplies for the job. Mouthwash and toothpaste are not suitable for this purpose.
Most toothpastes contain abrasive particles that could scratch or damage your aligners, while mouthwash contains dyes that could stain them. Instead, use clear soap and water or an aligner cleaner formulated specifically for this purpose.
Enjoy a Smooth and Stress-Free Experience with our Invisalign Dentists
If you are interested in being treated with Invisalign in Mississauga, you will need to find a top-quality provider to oversee your case.
There is no need to search for “Invisalign near me” and hope for great results: Trillium Smile Dentistry is the place to go. Our staff will discuss your orthodontic needs, formulate an Invisalign treatment plan, and execute that plan with you. Contact us online or at 905-828-9894 today to book your first appointment.
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