Are you getting ready to start your Invisalign journey? Now that you’re undergoing this popular orthodontic treatment, you should expect to achieve a perfectly straight smile in no time! To keep a good progress, however, you’ll need to have your aligners on for 20-22 hours each day. Keep reading to learn three simple methods that can help you meet the Invisalign wear time for a smoother process.
#1: Reduce Snacking
During your treatment, you’ll have to remove your clear aligners every time you’re about to eat or drink something—including snacks! For this reason, many patients have experienced what’s known as the “Invisalign Diet,” which is when they begin to notice more about their eating habits and how often they munch on food. To ensure that you wear your trays for as long as possible, a good way to capitalize on your time is to limit snacking between your meals. Try eating lean meats and fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and nuts to keep yourself fuller through the day.
#2: Multitask While Eating
You’ll need to soak your Invisalign trays often—either with cleaning crystals or similar substances—to remove any sticky foods or plaque from collecting on them. But you also don’t want to keep them out of your mouth for long. The best time to do this is while you’re eating a meal! By multitasking during your meal, you can clean your aligners while munching on your favorite foods, and you’ll have a quicker schedule for wearing them again once you’ve finished eating.
#3: Avoid Scrolling Through Your Phone
Many of us enjoy watching entertainment during mealtime—either on the phone or the TV—which can cause us to spend a lot more than 15 or 30 minutes being idle. If you have Invisalign, then you could risk spending a lengthy time without your trays on. To avoid hampering your process, you should try avoiding scrolling through your phone or watching TV while eating, that way you can clean your teeth and get right back to wearing your aligners.
With these few tips in mind, you should experience a much easier and efficient Invisalign wear time. By practicing these habits, and speaking with your dentist if you need more advice, you can be sure to enjoy your improved smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Dean Levy provides excellent, modern, and passionate dental care for Boston, MA and the surrounding communities. He’s a proud member of the Massachusetts Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the North Shore District Dental Society. Using the latest in dental technology, he offers a wide range of treatments, including Invisalign. If you want to know more about meeting the Invisalign wear time, visit his website or reach him at 617-350-7474.