Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional braces because it tends to be more comfortable and discreet. The transparent plastic over your teeth doesn’t lacerate your tender tissues and allows your natural smile to shine through.
With that said, it can take some time to adjust to some of the lifestyle changes required for this treatment to be successful. If you’re considering Invisalign and want to be prepared in advance, continue reading to learn 3 ways you can get ready!
Tip #1: Enhance Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Unlike standard orthodontics, which rely on metal brackets and wires, this treatment utilize clear plastic aligners that fit snuggly over your teeth to shift them. However, you must wear these removable trays for 20 to 22 hours to prevent your pearly whites from reverting to their previous positions.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to trap germs, leftover food, and other debris in the spaces between your teeth and the transparent material. Then, because they’re pressed tightly against your gums and enamel all day, bacteria can thrive and contribute to oral issues like cavities and gum disease.
You can prevent it by improving your dental hygiene routine before starting treatment. If you don’t already, you should brush and floss at least twice daily, though it’s also helpful to clean your teeth after lunch. Doing so now helps your smile resist common problems that might occur during your treatment.
Tip #2: Minimize Snacking
Although it’s durable, the plastic material of your aligners isn’t intended to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing. If you eat or drink anything besides water, you could damage the trays or warp them so they no longer fit, which can potentially add weeks to your overall treatment timeline.
You’ll need to remove the trays for meals, but because you can only leave them out of your mouth for a short period of time, you aren’t as free to snack throughout the day. It can help to limit your snacking now to help with this adjustment when you start wearing it consistently.
Tip #3: Determine Your Budget
If you’re counting on your dental insurance policy to help pay for Invisalign, you might need to check the details of your policy to ensure it’s included. Most plans don’t cover the cost of services intended to improve your appearance, like clear aligners, though there may be exceptions.
It’s worth verifying what’s covered in your policy before committing to this service to avoid potential sticker-shock. If you’re struggling to find the information or need help with insurance claims, the office staff at your provider’s office may be able to assist you.
Making these changes before starting your orthodontic treatment can help you transition more easily to life with Invisalign!
About the Practice
At Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence, people of all ages benefit from a team of dentists eager to help families in Arlington Heights build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Costello, Dr. DeHart, and Dr. Carr collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location, including Invisalign. Their caring and compassionate approach is combined with state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate treatment results meant to last. If you want to enhance your smile, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (847) 259-1111.