To date, more than 17 million patients have straightened their teeth with Invisalign, making it one of the most popular orthodontic treatments. As a result, there’s a good chance you already know quite a bit about it, including that the aligners don’t draw any unwanted attention to your smile. But it’s important to dig a little deeper before signing on the dotted line so life with braces is smooth. With this in mind, keep reading to learn a few things you should know before getting Invisalign.
1. You Need to Wear Your Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day
Naturally, in order for the clear aligners to work, you need to wear them. More specifically, you need to wear them for a minimum of 20 hours a day, every day. Toward the beginning of your time with Invisalign, you might find it helpful to use the stopwatch on your phone throughout the day so you have a good idea of how close or far you are from the mark.
2. There Aren’t Any Dietary Restrictions
If you’ve had braces in the past, you may remember having to completely change your diet to prevent a broken bracket or wire. With Invisalign, there aren’t any dietary restrictions – the aligners are removable! Just make sure to exercise caution with crunchy foods, like raw almonds, and eat mostly healthy well-balanced meals.
3. The Progress Visits Are Usually Every 6-8 Weeks
With traditional braces, patients need to commit to monthly adjustment appointments. Don’t worry – that’s not the case with Invisalign. Instead, the progress visits are every 6-8 weeks, and they are usually less than 30 minutes. So, you’ll spend significantly less time in the treatment chair overall.
4. Treatment Plan Delays Can Happen
Typically, patients achieve the results they desire in just 12-18 months. At your initial consultation, your dentist will provide you with a more precise estimate of your treatment plan. They will also share what to do to avoid significant delays, like wearing your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day, placing your trays in their case to avoid losing them, and switching to the next set in the series on the right day.
5. Brushing Your Teeth After Each Meal Is a Must
Usually, brushing your teeth twice a day is enough. However, if you put your aligners on directly after eating, the food particles will get trapped in place, increasing your risk of tooth decay significantly. That’s why it’s so important to complete your dental care regimen after every meal and snack.
Tip: Keep an on-the-go dental care kit with you that’s filled with travel-sized essentials, like floss, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.
About the Practice
Our team at Worcester Dental Arts offers a wide range of services at our conveniently located office, including Invisalign. Not only that, but we go the extra mile to make every step of the treatment process easy – from welcoming dental insurance and using digital impressions to offering appointments five days a week. If you are ready to take the next step, get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (508) 793-2114 to schedule a consultation.
