You might think of your crooked grin as merely an aesthetic concern, but the truth is that overcrowded teeth can hurt your dental health. It’s harder to thoroughly clean them when you can’t reach all surfaces, increasing your vulnerability to common oral issues like cavities, gingivitis, or injuries.
Fortunately, your dentist can straighten your smile with Invisalign. If you’re interested in this alternative orthodontic service but are unsure what to expect, keep reading to learn 3 things you can do to prepare before starting treatment!
Method #1: Improve Your Dental Hygiene
Invisalign is considered less invasive than traditional braces because the transparent plastic trays are removable. That means there aren’t any dietary restrictions to contend with like there are with bulky metal brackets bonded to your teeth.
However, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their previous places. That gives plenty of time for bacteria trapped against your gums to penetrate the connective tissues and cause disease. You can increase your resistance by brushing and flossing more frequently now so your teeth and gums are stronger and more resilient.
Method #2: Prepare a Kit
You never know when you might have an issue, like food stuck in your Invisalign after lunch when you’re away from home. If you spend a lot of time out of the house, you might want to assemble a dental kit equipped with everything you need to care for yourself and your orthodontics.
For instance, you can include a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss container to freshen up after lunch. You might also want to keep Tylenol, a water bottle, and an orthodontic appliance to assist in removing or inserting your aligners inside. Store your supplies in the car, at your desk, or in your locker, and you’ll never have to worry about an orthodontic emergency in the middle of the day.
Method #3: Avoid Snacking
Invisalign relies on smooth plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to reposition them. Although they’re durable, the material isn’t intended to be worn for more than a week or two before you switch to the next set to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth. That means they can be damaged if you eat or drink anything besides water while they’re inserted.
If you’re in the habit of snacking on anything hard or crunchy when you’re bored or anxious, now is a great time to make a change. Frequently noshing on food won’t be an option with Invisalign, and cutting back now can make your transition easier when it’s time.
If you’re still unsure whether Invisalign is right for you, the best way to find out is to consult your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at Meadowbrook Dental Care benefit from several dentists who work together to provide a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, including Invisalign. With decades of combined experience, they can help with everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures. They take the time to get to know you, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to tailor treatments to meet your unique needs. If you want to upgrade your grin, you can request an appointment on the website or call (516) 973-0820.