You've started your Invisalign treatment and are on your way to straightening your smile. Congratulations! Now, it's time to get to work and get used to a new routine. While this may feel challenging at first, it is doable, especially with these tips from our Surrey dentists to help you stick with Invisalign treatment.
How can I make it easier to stick with my Invisalign treatment?
At first, you might feel daunted about starting orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners — you'll need to remember a few things about your treatment plan and get used to wearing your aligners. That said, adapting to your new routine will just take some commitment, patience and practice on your part. Today, our Surrey dentists share some advice to help make your Invisalign treatment go more smoothly so you get the most value out of your investment.
Commit to Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners Full-Time
Similar to building other good habits, you'll need to be patient with yourself as you adjust to this one and adapt to the new changes in your daily routine. In addition, your commitment to treatment and your goal for a straighter smile will help you lay a great foundation for success.
To enjoy your planned progress and anticipated results at the end of your treatment, you'll need to wear your aligners most of the time — 22 hours every day — for them to work. They should only be removed so you can eat, drink and brush your teeth. The results of your diligent work with your treatment plan will include comfort as you progress through treatment and switch to your new alignment every two weeks or so.
Set a Timer
Do you tend to forget about tasks or get distracted once you're in the middle of something? Make use of the timer on your phone to help you remember to put your aligners back in. It's important that you wear your aligners for 22 hours each day, and forgetting to put them back in after brushing or eating can delay your progress on your journey towards straighter teeth.
While you might find this especially tough in the first few weeks of treatment, setting a timer to help you remember until the habit becomes entrenched can be a great way to stay on track.
Clean Your Aligners While You Eat
Since you can't wear your aligners while eating, make use of this time by soaking your trays in a cleaning solution while you enjoy your meal.
Drop your aligners into the special Invisalign cleaning solution, a denture cleaner or diluted mouthwash (make sure none of these are coloured since coloured solutions will stain your aligners) for approximately 5 minutes before taking them out. Do this twice a week to help keep your aligners clean and fresh.
Learn to Speak With Your Aligners In
When you first start your treatment and have your aligners in your mouth, you'll likely hear yourself speaking with a lisp. This is normal as your mouth adapts to having your aligners in. Your speech will gradually return to normal once you've adapted. In the meantime, keep practicing speaking — talk to yourself, call a friend to chat, read aloud or sing along with your favourite songs.