If you have crooked teeth, but feel embarrassed about the appearance of metal braces, you may be a perfect candidate for Invisalign. Instead of the harsh appearance of metal in your mouth, Invisalign aligners are transparent and equally effective! They are custom-made for your teeth using advanced technology by modeling the dental aligners on a computer and using this model for manufacturing. If you are looking for the best treatment with the best dentist in Desert Hot Springs, today is the perfect day to reach out to us about this stellar treatment. Try these 6 tips to optimize Invisalign treatment.
6 Tips to Optimize Invisalign Treatment
Of course, Invisalign isn’t magic. Some work and maintenance are required in order to get the best results. Today, we are going to talk about 6 tips to optimize Invisalign treatment for a speedy and successful experience.
Wear Your Aligners As Directed
This may seem obvious, but it’s still worth the reminder! You need to wear your aligners full-time to get the best results from your Invisalign treatment. Full-time means at least 22 hours a day. You can remove the aligners when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth to make sure the aligners stay clean.
It’s important to use your Invisalign aligners consistently because they will become more fitted, and therefore more comfortable. Thankfully, the fact that consistent wear makes them feel better encourages most patients to stick with it. If you are not diligent about wearing your aligners, you may need to have new molds made which means it will take longer to get your desired results.
Use Your “Chewies”
When you get your Invisalign in Palm Desert, in addition to your series of aligners, you will also need a product called “chewies.” These are very small, cylinder-shaped cushions with a spongy texture that you can bite down on to help close pesky air gaps between your teeth and your Invisalign aligner.
You will have your best results when there are no air gaps. The “chewies” are made with styrene copolymer and can have different colors or flavors. Try biting down on the “chewies” for only 5-10 minutes. Doing so, you can make your dental aligners fit better and more comfortably. Especially when they are new, aligners may not be a perfect fit right away without using “chewies.”
Change Your Aligners on Schedule
As you progress through your series of dental aligners, you need to make sure you do it in order and on a healthy schedule! Your dentist in Desert Hot Springs can help give you advice about staying on track. It’s important to stay in regular touch with your dentist each Invisalign. Each process is custom, meaning the schedule stays based on your body’s unique needs! To keep your aligner schedule moving at a steady and comfortable pace, only change them when your dentist gives you the go-ahead.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
If you don’t brush and floss every day, your oral hygiene will suffer. Bacteria and plaque will grow in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. Be sure to brush after meals and floss daily. Staying hydrated to avoid dry mouth and avoiding sugary and sticky foods is also a good idea.
Consider IPR
IPR, or interproximal reduction, is a technique where your teeth are separated slightly if there is too much crowding. If your teeth are too close together, it can be difficult to fit your Invisalign. This will not be the case for every patient, but if you have too much crowding, your dentist can use a gentle yet effective sanding procedure on your teeth to increase space. Although that may sound intimidating, IPR is very safe! It is another case where advanced technology is used for your treatment, because computer modeling helps the dentist know how much space is needed.
Wear Your Retainer as Directed
After your Invisalign treatment, you may be tempted to treat your teeth as if they are “finished.” However, dental health is a lifelong commitment. You need to continue to use your retainer after you finish with your aligners. Your dentist will likely advise you to wear it constantly at first, but eventually you might be able to wear it overnight only, or potentially even less often. Consult your dentist for best results!
Get Started With Invisalign!
Now you know how to succeed with your Invisalign treatment. It’s time to get started on the smile of your dreams. Reach out to your dentist in Desert Hot Springs today and ask us about the benefits of Invisalign in Palm Desert that will last you for many years to come!
