Embarking on the journey of wearing invisible braces can be an exciting step towards achieving a beautiful and straight smile. However, the first few weeks of wearing invisible braces can sometimes pose challenges as your mouth adjusts to the new orthodontic treatment.
To help new wearers easily navigate this initial period, we have compiled five essential tips to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
So, you have visited your dentist and have been given the green light to start using an invisible brace. This is an exciting time for you.
7 Essential Tips for Invisible Braces
The next few months will take some adjusting to and while an invisible aligner is easier to handle than a metal brace in relation to comfort and discretion, certain aspects of it still take some getting used to.
In order to keep on top of your orthodontic process (and to ensure you don’t give up), in this article, a list of tips have been devised to help you manage the first few weeks of using Invisalign Wagga, to go through the process with ease!
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#1. Protect your tongue!
As odd as it may sound, although your invisible brace is going to be more comfortable than a metal brace, you will need to protect your tongue.
Once the aligners are printed, they may have a bit of wearing down to do in order to be comfortable and so, the inner rim will likely rub against your inner cheek and tongue.
To stop this from being too uncomfortable, ask your dentist for some dental wax. Placed on to those hard and sharp edges, it will protect your softer areas from the friction caused by the aligner.
Read: Transform Your Smile with the Best Cosmetic Dental Treatment in Bondi Junction
#2. Get a small toothbrush
OK, so when you eat food while using an invisible aligner, you will need to take the aligner out. And before you put it back in, you will need to give your teeth a quick brush to remove all of the associated sugars and food debris. Why? To prevent the aligner from pressing these things against your teeth and causing cavities.
So, it is advisable to invest in a travel toothbrush to slip into your work bag so you can give your teeth a quick scrub throughout the day. You may also want to invest in a travel container to carry some mouthwash too.
#3. Invest in over-the-counter pain relief
Many people assume that because it is high-tech and invisible, undertaking orthodontic work with an invisible brace will be painless.
Sadly, there is no such thing as totally comfortable orthodontic work and you will still need to purchase over-the-counter pain relief; try paracetamol or ibuprofen for the quickest relief.
#4. Use the carry case
All invisible aligners will come with a carry case – use it! Do not throw your aligner into your bag or pocket; this can cause it to warp and may lead to it becoming damaged or even lost. Keep it safe and in one place!
#5. Time yourself
Remember when you were a child and dentists would advise you to count out 3 minutes while you brushed your teeth? Unless you are very literal, as a teenager or an adult, you probably don’t do that any more.
While wearing an invisible brace, you will have to time yourself; as you need to wear the brace for 22 hours per day for it to work best, you will need to time every moment that it is out of your mouth.
#6. Adhere to a Consistent Wear Schedule
Consistency is key when it comes to wearing invisible braces. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions and wear your aligners for the recommended time each day. By maintaining a consistent wear schedule, you can optimize the effectiveness of the treatment and avoid potential setbacks.
#7. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential, especially when wearing invisible braces. It helps to rinse away food particles and maintain the cleanliness of your aligners. Hydration also keeps your mouth moist, reducing the chances of dryness or irritation.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.