How Will Invisalign Affect My Life?
Invisalign is an approach to orthodontic correction that does not use wires or bands. Instead, you are fitted with custom-made, clear plastic aligner trays that gradually move your teeth into the correct position. Treatment can make a huge difference in your smile and in how your teeth fit together.
Taking Care of Your Trays During Treatment
During your Invisalign treatment, you will have to be sure to take care of your teeth as well as your aligner trays. This helps keep your teeth clean, prevents decay, and keeps the trays from becoming damaged or discolored. You will not have to modify your diet as much as is often recommended during traditional orthodontic treatment, and overall the trays are easier to care for. For these reasons, Invisalign treatment affects your everyday routine in relatively minor ways.
Some guidelines to follow during treatment include:
- Rinse your trays immediately after eating or drinking
- Don’t drink hot beverages while you are wearing your trays
- Avoid foods, beverages, and other substances that could stain your trays
Keeping your trays clean is important to keep food particles from collecting under the trays. If it is not cleared from the trays, it can cause plaque to build up, which can lead to cavities. Hot beverages can warp the trays, changing their shape so they no longer guide your teeth into the correct position. Also, if trays become stained, they will cause your teeth to look discolored until you change to the next tray in the sequence.
Other Considerations During Treatment
Your dentist will provide additional guidelines regarding how to care for your teeth and your trays through the course of treatment. Your guidelines might also include instructions regarding how long to wear your trays each day, times when you can remove the trays, and what kind of retainer you’ll have to wear after treatment is complete. As a general rule, you’ll want to keep the trays in for at least 22 hours out of every 24 for optimum results. After treatment, your dentist might recommend use of your final tray as a retainer to keep your teeth from moving out of the correct position.
For more information about Invisalign clear aligners, call our office for an appointment today.