You’re about to embark on your Invisalign journey. Once you’ve finished your series of trays, you can be sure to enjoy a perfectly straight smile! While the process sounds simple enough, you’ll have to follow a strict 20–22-hour wear time to keep up your progress. Fortunately, there are ways you can make the treatment more manageable from the start. Read on to learn five tips on how to prepare for Invisalign!
Tip #1: Limit Your Snacking
Every time you eat or drink something (other than water), you’ll have to remove your aligners beforehand. For this reason, you can begin reducing how frequently you snack throughout the day. The more time spent without your trays on, the longer the treatment will take. Try eating leaner meats or fiber-rich meals—such as fruits, nuts, and veggies—to keep yourself fuller.
Tip #2: Practice Cleaning After Each Meal
A major change in habit is having to clean your teeth and trays after every meal. However, you can always practice this before you start the process, that way it feels natural once you begin! Whether you’re out with friends or having dinner at a restaurant, try cleaning your teeth during this time so you become familiar and comfortable with the habit.
Tip #3: Assemble Your Dental Kit
Since you’ll need to maintain good dental hygiene at home and on-the-go, it’s a good idea to create a dental kit. There are plenty of travel-sized toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and flosses to help you keep your teeth and aligners clean.
Tip #4: Gather Other Useful Supplies
Your dentist will give you the Invisalign trays and storage case, but you can also collect other helpful items to make the process smoother. There are orthodontic appliances that can help you remove your aligners more easily, and it never hurts to take OTC pain relievers for when your teeth are getting accustomed to each series of trays.
Tip #5: Plan for the Cost of Treatment
Part of making the Invisalign treatment as stress-free as possible is to have a financial plan. You can always ask your dentist if they accept dental insurance, that way you save money and avoid any surprises down the road.
By building these habits and planning ahead, you can be well prepared for Invisalign. Not only will you help make the process smooth sailings, but you’ll be that much closer to achieving your straightened smile!
About the Author
Dr. Dean Levy received his dental doctorate from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the North Shore District Dental Society, and the Massachusetts Dental Society. He provides multiple advanced dental treatments, including Invisalign. Want to know more about how to prepare for Invisalign? Visit his website or call 617-350-7474.