3 Tips To Help Adjust To Your Invisalign Aligners
ShareThere are many types of orthodontic treatments available including traditional metal braces, expanders, retainers, and aligners – all which have their own sets or pros and cons. Invisalign, however, is becoming more and more popular due to its ease of use and overall appeal. Wearing these aligners is different, though, so there is a period of adjustment. This guide will offer a few tips to help you adjust to your new Invisalign aligners.
Be Patient
One of the most important things to remember is the aligners are a foreign object, which your mouth is not used to. Therefore, you must be patient while you and your mouth adjust to wearing the aligners throughout the day and night.
Consider setting a schedule that you can realistically stick to. For example, remove the aligners in the morning to eat and brush your teeth. Then, make sure they are inserted right back into the mouth until the next time you need to eat and brush your teeth. Make it part of your daily routine and be patient while you adjust.
Be Prepared
You also need to prepare yourself for some slight discomfort. The Invisalign aligners work by slowly shifting your teeth into their correct positions. During this process, you may experience soreness in your gums, teeth, and jaw bone.
Be prepared for this discomfort. Use biting exercises to strengthen your muscles and connecting ligaments of the mouth, as well. This can improve blood circulation through the gums, decreasing swelling and inflammation. Your dentist may also provide you with Styrofoam pieces that are inserted in your mouth to aid in these chewing exercises.
Be Effective
It is imperative that you wear the aligners even if you are experiencing some discomfort. Without wearing them as directed, the Invisalign system will not effectively move your teeth to the correct locations. Therefore, if you are not effective in using them, the aligners will not be effective orthodontic treatments.
Because you will need to wear the aligners throughout the day, they will get dirty. Food, plaque, and even bacteria may build up on your Invisalign aligners and storage case quickly. Proper cleaning is essential if you want the aligners to improve your smile effectively.
Talk to your orthodontist about the best products for cleaning your aligners and the storage cases. These products should be used regularly to remove food residue and bacteria, reducing any harm to your own teeth and underlying oral health.