Does the idea of having straighter teeth without the need for metal brackets or wires excite you? You are not alone. Plenty of teens and adults want to know more about getting Invisalign® near Cleveland, OH, in North Royalton. After all, Invisalign® is the clear braces system that transformed orthodontics forever when it was introduced more than 20 years ago. Today, it is a trusted way to gradually and consistently move your teeth into a more attractive, functional, and healthy position.
As part of your education on Invisalign®, we have created this patient instruction tipsheet. Even if you are not yet using the Invisalign® system, you will find this information helpful.
1. Invisalign® Aligners Should Be Worn 22+ Hours Per Day.
When you and your dentist choose Invisalign®, you have to be willing to commit to wearing your clear aligners all day, every day. Yes, you can remove them to clean your teeth and eat. However, you should sanitize them and put them back in. Non-compliance leads to poor progress and could make it hard for your Invisalign® to work properly.
2. Get Ready To Adopt A “Clean Mouth” Philosophy.
Your Invisalign® aligners will cover your teeth most of the time. Consequently, the clearer your mouth, the better. Focus on brushing and flossing after eating as well as twice daily like you normally do. In addition, clean the Invisalign® aligner appliances before inserting them back into your mouth. (Never reintroduce bacteria to your teeth and gums.)
How can you keep your aligners bright and good-smelling? Brush them with toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. (Use a different one than the one you use for your teeth.) Occasionally, soak your aligners in cool water mixed with about a teaspoon of baking soda for around 30 minutes. Once weekly, give your aligners the full cleansing treatment by soaking them in a denture cleaner for half an hour. They’ll look and taste great while they correct your smile.
3. Plan Time To Adjust To Your Invisalign® Aligners.
Many first-time Invisalign® wearers are surprised by how full their mouths feel at first. You can expect an adjustment period of a few days. During that time, you may have trouble speaking clearly. You may also produce more saliva than normal. Just keep talking and behaving normally, as well as keeping your lip muscles together and breathing through your nose. Very soon, your Invisalign® will feel comfortable and natural.
4. Keeping Your Invisalign® Appliance In Its Container When It Is Not Being Worn.
What do you do with your Invisalign® aligners when you are eating or engaged in contact sports activities? The answer is simple: Keep your aligners protected in the “strong box” container you received. Do not wrap your aligner in a paper or cloth napkin or shove it in your pocket without its protective box. The last thing you want is to delay your progression because you lost your appliance… or your pets found and chewed it.
5. Call Your Dentist If Your Appliance Breaks.
If your Invisalign® aligner breaks or you feel like it has changed shape for any reason, do not try to adjust it yourself. Either call the Iacobelli & Sala office at (440) 845-7300 during normal office hours or Dr. Iacobelli‘s emergency number at (216) 389-2026.
6. Stick To A Proper Invisalign® Diet.
Even though you will remove your Invisalign® aligners to eat, you should still avoid certain foods like nuts, popcorn, raw carrots, corn on the cob, crusty bread, sticky candies, and items high in sugar or starch. Similarly, use now as a good time to stop drinking beverages that contain sugar like sodas and juices. Not only will your teeth and Invisalign® appliances stay stronger but you will get the benefit of eating better, too!
7. Follow Any Special Invisalign® Appliance Instructions.
Does your Invisalign® appliance have turnbuckles or jack screws? If you have been asked to turn anything on your appliance regularly, make sure you follow the directions as outlined in your Orthodontic Progress Report. If you are unsure what to do or have trouble, contact the office at (440) 845-7300 during regular business hours for assistance.
It is hard to understate how valuable it can be to follow all the Invisalign® instructions you receive. The more compliant you are as a patient, the better progress you can expect to make.
Don’t Have Invisalign Yet?
Of course, if you have not found a dentist to fulfill your orthodontics goals, feel free to call us at (440) 845-7300 to set up an appointment to discuss your candidacy for Invisalign® with our doctors, Dr. Mark Iacobelli and Dr. Stephen Sala, in our office in North Royalton, OH.