Nearly one out of every three Britons undergoes an orthodontic treatment or the other and wears braces. In other words a large number of people across the United Kingdom experience their journey on braces. Thanks to unbelievable evolution of modern orthodontics traditional metal braces are certainly not the only treatment option for these people. Invisalign aligner trays are an excellent option for orthodontic patients to correct misalignment of their teeth and the jaws. These clear plastic aligners are as effective as discreet in providing the treatment. Moreover the range of appliances offers greater comfort level, easier to adjust and are less painful compared to the traditional braces.
But in order to get the best out of your Invisalign treatment you must be fully committed to your treatment plan. Here are a few tried and tested tips that help you become committed to your unique Invisalign treatment plan and ensure the best out of your treatment.
Make it a point to clear your aligner trays every day
Invisalign is a revolutionary approach to correct misalignment of your teeth and the jaws. It corrects your orthodontic issues in a practically invisible way. But it is important that you take proper care of your aligner trays and keep those spick and span. If you do not clean your appliances regularly, they may easily catch up with stains. The world can notice if your clear plastic aligners get stained. Cleaning the range of dental appliances is quite easy says a renowned dentist who deals with a large number of Invisalign patients in Wimbledon. The combination of lukewarm water and any gentle liquid antibacterial soap proves ideal to clear away any bacterial or plaque build-ups from these trays. you should clean your aligner trays this way once daily to keep them clean and in good shape.
You must wear the aligners at least 20 to 22 hours a day
These clear plastic aligners are effective in delivering desired results only when keep wearing those on your teeth for the stipulated number of hours every day. In other words this means you must commit yourself to wearing these trays for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. The two to hours of free time that you get every day are meant to finish your meals, brush and floss the teeth to maintain optimal oral hygiene and other such important activities. What happens when you do not comply with the 20 to 22 hours timeline of wearing the aligners to your teeth? In that case you do not get the desired results you want from the treatment. Even the length of your treatment increases along with the estimated cost.
You must follow your schedule just like clockwork
When you have traditional braces, you need to visit the dentist frequently for adjustments. With Invisalign, a different approach is used. A series of custom-fitted aligner trays are provided for your teeth instead. You wear a set of aligners for about two weeks (or as specified by your treatment provider) and then switch over to the next set of aligners. This is how your treatment progresses gradually. It is utmost important that you follow that schedule minutely. If you do not switch to a new set of aligners on time that may delay the progress of your treatment. If you think it is difficult for you to stick to this schedule then probably the traditional braces are more suitable for you.
Expect some initial pain and discomfort in your Invisalign journey
Like any other orthodontic treatment Invisalign gradually moves your teeth into better position too. This relocating of the teeth is likely to cause some pain and discomfort. The discomfort is usually at its peak when you just switch to a new set of aligner trays. But these unwanted side effects automatically wane away in a few days, explains a dentist with years of experience in handling patients with clear braces in Wimbledon. It is also important to note that this pain and discomfort is never so severe. But in any case you should plan for all these factors in advance.
If you switch the trays at night before going to sleep then you can sleep through the first few hours when the pain and discomfort are most severe. During these difficult times soft foods are most suitable for you. So you should pile up sufficient quantity of soft foods in advance. You may take over the counter painkillers to minimise the pain and discomfort. If the pain and inconvenience is too much to bear then you should call your dentist’s office and report the matter without delay.
Brush and floss your teeth as usual
These clear plastic aligner trays encase your teeth completely and this feature makes the appliances so efficient in correcting your orthodontic problems. But harmful bacteria and germs trap builds on your teeth and gum line. Even your saliva does not reach your teeth and the gum line to do the necessary cleansing. So you should brush and floss the teeth diligently after each meal before wearing the aligner trays back on the teeth. If you neglect brushing and flossing the teeth after each meal you will be at higher risk of suffering from tooth decay and gum disease points out a busy Invisalign dentist in Wimbledon. It is a good idea to always carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you all the time during the course of your treatment.
You should never eat wearing the aligners on your teeth
If you are even the least careless foods and drinks that you consume may stain your invisible aligner trays. You must take out the aligner trays from the teeth religiously every time before starting a meal or sipping on a drink. However if you are drinking plain water then there is no problem and there is no need to take out the aligners.
Preserve the previous set of aligners
An accident may take place at any time and damage or break your aligner trays.This may cause a delay in your treatment. A new set of aligners must be shipped from a remote Invisalign lab, causing a potential delay in your treatment. In order to avoid this unnecessary delay of treatment dental professionals working at the Wimbledon Confidental Dentist London suggest patients to preserve the previous set of aligners. You can use the old set of appliances as a stopgap solution till the new set reaches you.