You’ve always been self-conscious about your crooked teeth, but what can you do? You’re too old to be wearing braces. Then you learned about Invisalign, which uses clear, removable aligners to adjust your smile over time. Not only do you avoid awkward-looking wires and brackets, but you can still eat whatever you want! However, Invisalign in Myrtle Beach is still an orthodontic treatment; here are five tips to make the experience as easy and pleasant as possible.
1. Keep Your Aligners Clean
Your mouth, and everything in it, is a prime target for bacteria. For good oral hygiene, it’s important to keep your aligners clean. You can soak them in denture or aligner cleaner for about twenty minutes per day; this can be done before bed or while you eat.
2. Brush and Floss Extra Well
Your aligners can trap plaque-causing bacteria, so you need to be careful to keep your teeth extra clean while using Invisalign. Brush and floss after meals and snacks; on that note, never eat or drink anything besides water while wearing the aligners.
3. Don’t Forget to Put Your Aligners In!
Many patients forget to put their aligners back after eating. This makes your treatments last longer than intended. You might find it useful to set a timer to remind yourself to put your aligners back in your mouth; generally, you should be wearing them for at least 22 hours a day.
4. Remove Your Aligners When Exercising
Intense physical exercise may be more difficult when wearing your aligners due to dryness or spit accumulation. Removing them for a workout is recommended; again, though, make sure they’re not out of your mouth for too long, and set a reminder to make sure you to don’t forget to put them back.
5. Change Your Aligners When and Only When You Need To
Invisalign uses a series of aligners to gradually adjust your teeth over time, but since mouths are unique, the treatment schedule may be different for some people. Your dentist will let you know when to change or when to keep using the same aligner for a while; moving on to the next one too early will not make the treatment go any faster.
Invisalign can be an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces, but like all aspects of oral health, success depends on how well you stick to daily care. Make sure your aligners are staying clean and don’t come out of your mouth more than necessary. Be sure to speak with your dentist in Myrtle Beach about additional care instructions and ask any questions about your daily routine; this will help put you on a healthy, enjoyable path towards a straighter smile.
About the Author
Dr. Jack Markusen prides himself on helping his patients avoid discomfort and anxiety that can come with dental visits. He has been practicing dentistry for over 40 years, and he currently serves as the South Carolina state president for the American Society of Dentistry for Children; he has served as a certified dental trainer for staffs throughout the Southeast. To learn more about Invisalign, visit his practice’s website or call at (843) 733-7734 .