Part of the reason why Invisalign® has become such a popular orthodontic treatment is that it makes for a more enjoyable experience than traditional braces. You can even switch from traditional braces to Invisalign if you want a better orthodontic experience or to achieve your results in half the time.
Here are some tips if you want to maximize your enjoyment of Invisalign while getting the best results.
Choose the Right Dentist For Your Invisalign Experience
Your dentist is the most important part of your Invisalign experience, so pick them with care. There are many dentists out there offering Invisalign, but you want one whose expertise you trust.
It’s also just as important to find a dentist you get along with. You won’t be spending as much time in the office as you would with traditional braces, but you’ll still be seeing them a lot over the next year or so, so make sure you choose a dentist you like. Make sure they also have a staff that makes you feel welcome and at home. You shouldn’t feel rushed or neglected. Every visit should make you happy, not just because of the progress you’re making, but also because you like visiting your dentist.
Another thing to consider is that you might want to get some additional procedures in addition to Invisalign. Many people want teeth whitening after Invisalign, but other times people find they don’t like the shape of a tooth and want to have it reshaped with a porcelain veneer or dental crown. Make sure your dentist could help you with that.
Enjoy Your Favorite Foods
Do you know what’s great about Invisalign®? You can take your aligners out to enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks. Also, you don’t have to skip popcorn, pizza, or crusty bread. You can chew gum without having to worry that you’ll be spending the rest of your day cleaning it out of your braces. Just take out your aligners, eat, drink, and be merry.
Keep Socially Active
Many people become self-conscious and withdrawn when they get braces. Invisalign® saves you from that. Invisalign allows you to smile, talk, and laugh in public without anyone noticing or caring about your aligners.
You can even take your aligners out for some special up-close time with your significant other. With Invisalign, you won’t ever have to worry about your braces becoming twister up together. You might keep them in because they’re comfortable, but if they’re in the way, you can take them out.
But Keep Aligners in Most of the Time
Sure, there are lots of times when you want to take your aligners out but don’t overdo it. You have to keep your aligners in for 20-22 hours a day to get optimal results. Wearing your aligners for the recommended time will help you complete your Invisalign treatment much faster.
If You’re Sore, Take OTC Pain Relievers
The discomfort associated with Invisalign tends to be less than it is for traditional braces, but moving your teeth requires some uncomfortable pressure on your bones, so it’s no wonder it can make you feel a little sore switching to a new aligner.
But over-the-counter pain relievers can help you feel comfortable and enjoy your experience.
Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
Yeah, it can seem like a bummer to have to follow the rules, but in this case, following the rules will help you get the results you’re looking for. This means taking care to brush and floss after eating and always wearing your aligner for the right amount of time.
It also means not trying to rush your aligners. It’s important to wear the aligners for their recommended time because your bones need enough time to reshape around your teeth. Rushing through your aligners won’t help your treatment finish faster, it just results in poorer results.
Wear Your Retainer
Do you know what would really ruin your experience? If you went through all this and your beautiful results didn’t last. That’s what retainers are for: ensuring your results last. After your teeth move, they’re still not quite set in their new places yet. Your retainer keeps them from drifting while the bone solidifies.
Avoid Over the Counter Invisalign Alternatives
You may have seen some of the over the counter Invisalign alternatives floating around. Smile Direct Club is just one of them. While they might look like the same treatment as Invisalign, they are not. Instead of meeting with a dentist in person who takes your x-rays and evaluates your bite, you’re sent an impression kit. You then send your impression kit back and in return receive a set of aligners that are meant to straighten your teeth. The major problem is that your bite, oral health, or jaw bone are not taken into account.
Oftentimes, using these kits can make your bite and teeth look much worse. Some people’s experience is so bad that they have to get some teeth pulled due to the damage caused by the over the counter Invisalign alternatives.
Are You Ready for a Great Invisalign Experience?
Is now the time when you’re finally ready to commit to getting a straighter, more beautiful smile? If so, then call (614) 848-5001 for an appointment with Columbus, OH cosmetic dentist Dr. Mike Firouzian at Firouzian Dentistry.
