Are you interested in receiving Invisalign treatment but want to know more about what it’s like? Well, you’ve landed on the perfect article! Wiesemann Orthodontics is passionate about helping patients understand their appliances to properly maintain them throughout their time with us. Our team is here to share more about what Invisalign is and how to get the most out of your treatment!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an advanced clear aligner technology that realigns your teeth. Increasing in popularity over recent years, it is a great aesthetic choice for those interested in discreetly realigning their smile and are not interested in traditional metal brackets. Treatment consists of a series of removable clear plastic trays you place on your teeth. Over time, they slowly move to fit each mold and eventually reach their ideal position.
Dr. Wiesemann is a platinum-level Invisalign provider and understands the intricacies of its technology, ensuring you receive the highest level of care. He and our team hold the expertise to reach your smile goals before you know it! To keep your trays in perfect condition and your teeth moving according to plan, we recommend following these tips.
Making Your Orthodontic Appointments A Priority
Our clear aligner patients come in for check-ups every four to eight weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Our technology is able to predict how your teeth will move, but sometimes, the original plan of care changes in real-time once we see how your teeth are moving. Thus, keeping your appointments is crucial.
Rescheduling Your Appointment
When initially making your appointment, we do our best to accommodate your schedule to find the best times possible. We understand the unexpected happens sometimes, and you cannot make your appointment or you may be running late. Contact our office as soon as you are able so we can reschedule for a time that works better.
Sticking to your appointments as much as possible is essential to ensure we can make adjustments as they are needed so you can finish your treatment without any delay.
Changing Your Invisalign Trays On Schedule
Dr. Wiesemann customizes your trays according to your exact needs with the help of advanced technology. He designs your trays to move in phases over a precise period by placing the perfect amount of pressure on your teeth.
With the first set of trays we give you, you must switch them out every two weeks as your teeth shift into the next one so they stay moving in the right direction. Skipping ahead to a future tray will not speed up your treatment. Rather, it may cause unnecessary discomfort and confuse your teeth, possibly causing them to relapse.
Understanding When To Wear Your Invisalign
To provide effective results, Invisalign trays must remain in your mouth for at least 20-22 hours daily. They are designed to place constant pressure on your teeth and jaw to move them in the right direction. Because it is a removable appliance, having your trays out for too long at a time allows your teeth the opportunity to move back.
The only time you should remove your Invisalign is when you are enjoying food and drink. Even the smallest snack or sip necessitates your trays being taken out. The plastic cannot withstand the pressure of chewing and could easily be damaged. Similarly, any drink besides water can stain your trays and ruin the nearly invisible illusion that makes Invisalign so popular.
Properly Maintaining Your Oral Hygiene
One of the most essential steps to keeping your teeth clean, whether you are undergoing realignment treatment or not, is maintaining your oral hygiene. This includes habits such as brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, brushing your tongue, and using mouthwash. Doing so protects your teeth from oral complications such as fast-acting tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
Depending on the positioning of your teeth, you may have some hard-to-reach areas to get to with your toothbrush. Dr. Wiesemann can help point these areas out to you during your appointments so you can make a point of cleaning them. It is essential to spend extra time ensuring no small food particles are left behind so it does not get stuck under your trays for an extended period.
Keeping Your Trays Clean
Though each tray is only worn for two weeks, they can still get dirty. Since they are in your mouth for so long without breathing room, they can quickly build up bacteria and plaque if not cleaned properly. This can quickly damage your teeth and even change the color of your trays, ruining their clear appearance.
How To Maintain Your Invisalign
The good news is that it is very simple to maintain the cleanliness of your Invisalign. All you need to do is run a soft-bristled toothbrush under lukewarm water and gently scrub it. You can add this to your morning and nightly routine as you regularly clean your teeth to keep them polished.
Be sure to use a different toothbrush than the one you use to clean your teeth, as there may be toothpaste residue left on it. We do not recommend using toothpaste in any capacity to clean your trays because it may cloud or scratch the inside and require you to come in for a new one to be made.
Feel More Confident In Your Smile WIth Invisalign!
Wiesemann Orthodontics is a proud Invisalign provider! If you believe it is the right appliance for your orthodontic needs, please contact any of our offices in Bowling Green and Russellville, Kentucky, as well as White House and Portland, Tennessee. We will be happy to schedule your free consultation and help you better understand your teeth!