Are you looking to straighten your smile? Many people are self-conscious of their teeth because they are misaligned or crooked. However, getting traditional braces isn’t something that many older teens and adults look forward to. Fortunately, Invisalign is available to give you the results you are looking for. Continue reading to learn some ways that you can speed up the process and achieve your smile goals!
Always Wear Your Aligners
When treatment doesn’t go as expected, most of the time it’s because not everyone is fully committed to wearing their clear aligners all day. For the most effective treatment, you need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day. The two remaining hours are left for eating, drinking, and cleaning your smile. If you aren’t wearing your aligners enough, your treatment will end up taking longer.
Always Clean Your Teeth
If you aren’t keeping your smile clean, this doesn’t directly slow down your treatment. However, if you need to have other dental work done due to poor oral hygiene, this can get in the way of progression when it comes to your Invisalign. The bacteria and saliva in your mouth are able to break down the material of your aligners if they aren’t regularly cleaned. Ultimately, you should always brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners in your mouth, even if you only take them out for a quick snack.
Clean Your Aligners
In addition to keeping your teeth clean, it’s important to keep your aligners fresh. Aligners that are damaged won’t be nearly as effective for straightening your teeth. Be sure that you are using proper technique so you can keep your aligners in the best shape possible. It is a good idea to clean them using a mild soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Attend Regular Appointments
You should never skip your appointments. While you aren’t having any wires tightened, it’s important that your dental team ensures that everything is going as expected. This way, adjustments can be made if needed, as not everything always goes according to plan. If things start to get off track, your dentist can help to veer your smile back in the right direction.
Waiting for your teeth to straighten may feel like torture, but the end results are worth it. By using the tips listed above, you will be showing off a straighter smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. J.D. Robison studied at Purdue University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Detroit Mercy. He also completed the core curriculum at the prestigious Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies. Currently, he is a proud member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE), International Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (IACA), and the North American Neuromuscular Study Club. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (734) 453-6320.