Invisalign is one of the hottest dentistry solutions available! These incredible aligners have helped millions of patients achieve straighter and more beautiful smiles. And if you’re slated to begin Invisalign treatment soon, you’re probably looking forward to joining the club. But you might be wondering if there’s anything you can do to prepare yourself for a successful treatment process. Here are some helpful tips from your cosmetic dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach to help you out.
1. Cut Back on the Snacks
The golden rule of Invisalign is that you must wear your aligners for 22 hours every single day—the only time they should be out of your mouth is if you’re eating and/or cleaning them! This means that if you’re constantly munching and snacking throughout the day, you will inevitably impede your treatment progress. Therefore, it’s better to try to break the habit before you begin treatment. Focus on eating three square meals every day and try to fully eliminate snacking. Keep in mind that regular water is the only thing you’re allowed to have while you’re wearing your Invisalign.
2. Brush After Every Meal
Since you’re going to be focused on eating three meals every day, it’s also important to become accustomed to brushing after every single one. It’s vital that your teeth remain clean underneath your aligners while you’re wearing them; they are still quite vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria! Brushing and flossing after eating is a great habit to establish that will pay dividends throughout your treatment process.
3. Gather the Essential Supplies
Even though your dentist will be providing you with your Invisalign trays and their accompanying storage cases, there are still a few other useful items that you should hunt down. You might consider over-the-counter pain relievers for addressing minor discomfort during treatment (especially when you switch to a new set of trays). Pul Tools and OrthoKeys are also useful and can help those who struggle to remove their aligners.
Having a small, portable dental kit that you can take everywhere with you is also advisable; this can ensure that your treatment is ultimately successful, no matter where you might find yourself! This doesn’t need to be anything fancy or expensive, but at least include a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and anything else essential that you might need when you aren’t at home.
4. Prepare Your Wallet
Above all else, Invisalign is a major investment; you’re paying money now for a better-looking and more functional smile in the future! That said, you should consider figuring out the financial implications of receiving treatment beforehand—that’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about after your first appointment. Many insurance plans offer some coverage for treatment options like Invisalign, and some dentists offer additional flexibility when it comes to payment.
Invisalign will completely change your smile and life for the better! Knowing exactly what to expect and having your smile ready to go will ensure that your treatment process is smooth and uninterrupted.
About the Practice
The team at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry is honored to serve the dental needs of the Ponte Vedra Beach area under the leadership of Dr. Kristopher Harth and Dr. Eric Townsend. Their practice is proud to provide a wide range of available services including Invisalign. If you have any questions about Invisalign or would like to schedule a visit, you can contact the practice through their website or by phone: (904) 285-7711.