Invisalign has been around as a concept since the late 90s, but it wasn’t until 1998 that the first aligner trays hit the US market. it continues to transform the way we think about orthodontics. It was initially invented as a way to make orthodontic treatment much more comfortable for those seeking a straighter smile. Since then, the Invisalign route has become much more popular across the UK – with over 500,000 patients having used Invisalign to achieve their impressive, straighter smiles.
Although Invisalign is proven to be an effective means of orthodontic treatment, some of the benefits that come with the removable aligners do mean it can be a challenge to adhere to your proper treatment plan. Unfortunately, this can hinder the progress made with Invisalign as an orthodontic solution – and lead to lengthier treatment times. Read on to find out how to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment.
Wear Every Day
One of the most convenient things that compels patients when it comes to Invisalign is the ease with which the trays can be removed and replaced. This is a key component to being able to use the aligners effectively, as they should be removed whilst eating or drinking anything that is not water. It also means you can clean them effectively and easily, as and when you need to.
However, this advantage could also be seen as a drawback. Some clients can struggle with the consistency of keeping their aligners in every day for the recommended amount of time. The more you wear your Invisalign trays, the more effective your treatment will be.
Although you should remove them to avoid the build up of any bacteria or residue in the trays while eating or drinking, it’s important to resume wearing them as soon as you can to ensure you get the full benefits of the treatment. With most Invisalign treatment plans, we recommend that you wear the trays for at least 22 hours a day.
Attend Follow Ups
Invisalign works by gradually pushing your teeth into the desired place, adjusting the alignment over time to achieve a straighter looking smile. In achieving this, you will be given a set of aligners to wear for a set period of time, before an updated version is made that pushes your teeth further into the desired positions. This is why Invisalign involves a number of follow up appointments. It also gives you the chance to explore any issues that may arise during treatment with your dentist, as addressing any additional dental health problems remains vital during the Invisalign process.
Attending all of your follow up appointments are vital in ensuring we are taking the right course of action with your Invisalign treatment plan. These appointments are often carefully scheduled to check the progress being made, as well as to adjust and swap out the aligners when appropriate. It’s therefore important that you stick to the scheduled follow ups so you don’t end up prolonging your treatment. Wearing older aligners for too long will mean no progress is being made, so mark your follow ups in your calendar!
Treat with Care
As we mentioned earlier, one of the unique benefits to Invisalign in comparison with traditional orthodontic treatment is that the aligner trays can easily be removed for thorough cleaning. If your aligners aren’t cleaned properly, however, they can cause a build up of bacteria that could cause more damage to your teeth.
Damage to the aligners themselves is also not unheard of, so make sure you keep them in the special protective case when you’re not wearing them. Damage to your aligners can compromise how effective they are, as any cracks or indents will mean they’re not pushing teeth into the desired place.
To clean your aligners, you should gently brush them with warm water each day. Some products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes are fine for a deeper cleanse, however any abrasive ingredients can cause damage to the trays. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to properly clean and care for your aligners, but don’t hesitate to ask any questions that spring to mind during your appointments.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Although you will be wearing your aligners for the majority of the day, it’s important not to let your regular oral hygiene routine slip. If anything, it should become more rigorous – as having the trays sitting against your teeth can harbour the potential growth of bacteria if your teeth and gums aren’t properly cleaned. Remember to brush and floss at least twice a day, morning and night.
Your dentist may also recommend you brush and floss following a meal and before you put the aligner trays back on, so as to avoid the potential for bacteria to grow. Using a mouthwash with fluoride can also help prevent and minimise bacteria. It might be a good idea to keep a travel sized oral hygiene kit in your bag or car to keep up with a rigorous routine when you’re not at home.
You should also remember that your Invisalign trays aren’t indestructible. While they are durable, they won’t last forever. If you are prone to habits such as nail biting, chewing pens or other inedible objects, try to get out of these habits before you start to undergo treatment. Any cracked or broken Invisalign trays will need replacing, which may incur additional costs.
Results Driven Invisalign Treatments at Kamran Rasul
If you’re looking for Invisalign in Liverpool, we can help.
Call us on 0151 433 9634 if you’d like to book an appointment with us. We like our patients to experience the best possible service with us, so we use our state-of-the-art technology and skilled practitioners where possible to mock up an eventual image of the final smile you can expect following your treatment. This takes the guesswork out of what to expect from our team, and ensures you are fully informed of the processes and results at each stage.
Comments