How To Have A Successful Invisalign Experience
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that can straighten crooked teeth and correct overbites. If you're ready to fix your smile, talk to your dentists about getting clear aligners. Here are four tips that can help you have the best treatment possible once you get them:
1. Wear your Invisalign retainers as often as possible.
Invisalign is a self-directed treatment in many ways. Your orthodontist will give you clear aligners on schedule, but it's up to you to wear them. Your dentist will tell you to keep your clear aligners on as often as possible, except when you're eating. You won't be accountable to anyone but yourself, but your teeth will show the difference if you "cheat" by skipping several hours of wear. Keeping your clear aligners in your mouth at all times can keep your orthodontic treatment on schedule.
2. Be patient through the refining process.
After your Invisalign treatment officially ends, your orthodontist will inspect your teeth one final time. They will compare your progress to the visual model they constructed of your ideal tooth alignment. If reality doesn't quite match up to your mutual goals for your teeth, your orthodontist may want to give you another set of clear aligners. These final adjustments are the last step in your orthodontic treatment. You may be tired of wearing aligners at this point, but allowing your orthodontist to refine your teeth will ensure you have the best smile possible.
3. Wear your retainer as directed.
Once your teeth are in their final position, you will have to keep them there. Your teeth will naturally want to drift back into their former positions. A retainer will prevent that from happening. You can opt to have a permanent retainer attached to the inside of your teeth; this retainer usually comes in the form of a single metal wire which is affixed to the back of your teeth. You can also choose to have a retainer made from the same clear aligners used for your orthodontic treatment. At first, you will need to wear your retainer constantly. Once your orthodontist tells you it's okay, you can switch to wearing your retainer only at nighttime.
4. Keep your clear aligners clean.
Whether you're still wearing your Invisalign clear aligners or your retainer, it's important to keep your orthodontic devices clean at all times. You can brush plaque deposits away with a soft toothbrush and a mild toothpaste. Avoid using whitening toothpaste on your aligners because its abrasive nature can scratch the plastic surface. Thoroughly rinse your aligner before putting it back in your mouth. Brushing your teeth after meals can keep food particles from becoming trapped in your retainer.
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