Like any major procedure, you should incorporate certain aftercare habits into your daily routine after getting your Invisalign aligners. Of course, your dentist will tell you what to do to make sure the treatment is effective. If you have questions about it, don’t be afraid to ask them for clarifications.
The trick to having a successful Invisalign treatment is consistency and proper oral care at home, coupled with regular visits to the dentist for checkups and revisions. Here are some of the things to do:
Protect Your Mouth from Sores
The truth of Invisalign treatments is that they will be painful and uncomfortable. The edges of your aligners could even cause sores in your mouth during the first week because the material is new, and you’re still getting used to wearing it. That’s why you must take extra precautions to protect your mouth.
Eventually, you will get used to your aligners. In the meantime, you can use wax to cover any sharp or rough edges in your aligners. Roll it between your fingers and apply it to your aligners. On the other hand, if the discomfort is too much, you can ask your dentist to file down the edges for a softer fit.
Practice Chewing Exercises
Because Invisalign functions the same way as braces, you may experience pain in your teeth and jaws. To remedy that, you’ll need to practice chewing exercises. The act of chewing can help ease the pain by stimulating nutrient-rich blood to flow better, serving as a natural pain reliever.
Your dentist may also give you chewies to help with the pain, but they’re not always practical to use—especially when you’re out and about. Instead of relying on that, you can do your best to do chewing exercises throughout the day. It also helps your aligners fit better according to your tooth movement.
Wear Your Aligners as Instructed
When a patient uses Invisalign, the recommended number of hours for wear time is at least twenty-two hours. Any less than that could mean an ineffective treatment. When you wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time, you can avoid wasting money and ensure the treatment process will go by faster.
During the first week, you may need to remove the aligners from time to time, and that’s okay, so long as you manage to wear them again for a total of twenty-two hours each day. One of the best ways to do that is to keep them on during sleep and every few hours when you’re awake.
Sanitize Your Aligners Properly
Keeping your aligners properly sanitized is another important habit to adopt because it minimizes the possibility for bacteria to spread in your mouth. When removing your aligners, use the OrthoKey as much as possible. Clean hands are fine, but eventually, it might get too difficult as your trays are adjusted to be tighter.
You also have to keep your aligners clean and clear. Avoid eating or drinking with them on. If you do, make sure to brush them and your teeth thoroughly. It’s best to ask your dentist how to clean your aligners properly to avoid damaging them.
Final Thoughts
The process of undergoing an Invisalign treatment is exciting because it brings you one step closer to your perfect smile. However, it doesn’t come without work. By practicing these habits, you’re ensuring the success of your treatment and a faster process.
If you’re looking for dentists in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Dental House MI is the perfect clinic to visit. Some of our services include preventative dentistry, dental implants, oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and more. Contact us today to book an appointment!