Getting Invisalign is an exciting time. You’ll finally be getting the smile you’ve always wanted, and you won’t have to wear visible metal braces to get it. Invisalign can provide a more comfortable alternative to braces, and these clear aligners allow you to keep your teeth cleaner since you can fully remove the aligners. Not to mention you won’t be limited on what foods you can enjoy!
But how should you prepare for your Invisalign treatment? Here are a few things you should know.
Know That You Need to Keep Your Aligners in All Day
You should be prepared to keep your aligners in for most of the day—20 to 22 hours to be exact [1]. Your orthodontist will let you know if you need to wear them more or less often, but you should plan on wearing them all day every day when you start treatment. Wearing your aligners as directed will help you stay on your treatment plan and get a straighter smile, faster!
Prepare for Temporary Changes in Speech
Not everyone will experience temporary changes in their speech, but for some, getting used to wearing Invisalign aligners may cause difficulty speaking for the first few days [2]. This is an adjustment period where you will be getting used to the feeling of the aligners in your mouth. For this reason, it may be a good idea to start wearing your aligners on a weekend when you don’t have to go to work and can practice speaking until you get the hang of it!
Make Extra Time to Clean Your Aligners
Cleaning your aligners is going to be an important part of your daily oral care routine, so be sure to allot extra time for brushing your aligners at least once a day. Aligners should be cleaned daily, and you can use a toothbrush and toothpaste just like you do on your teeth. You can also use a liquid soap. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush so you don’t scratch your aligners!
Don’t Forget You’ll Need a Retainer
Part of preparing for orthodontic treatment is understanding that you will need to wear a retainer following your treatment. Many people think that once their treatment is over, they won’t need to do anything else, but this isn’t true. A retainer will help prevent the natural shifting of your teeth over time and keep your smile straight for life.
Enjoy Your New Smile!
Are you ready for your Invisalign treatment? Get ready to begin seeing a straighter smile and enjoy having virtually invisible treatment while you correct those imperfections!
Sources:
1. https://www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7445657/
