Have you recently begun using Invisalign aligners and are looking for some guidance on how to oversee your treatment at home? Here is a simplified guide to using invisible braces Sydney CBD to help you get the most out of it.
Daily wear
Many patients who are new to using Invisalign assume that because the aligner is removable, they can take it out and put it in as and when they please. But this is not the case. For the aligner to be successful in moving your teeth, you need to wear it for a minimum of 22 hours per day or as recommended by your dentist.
Cleaning
Cleaning Invisalign is extremely straightforward as it is, in essence, a plastic covering. To clean the aligners, simply rinse them under a cold water tap twice a day and use a toothbrush to remove any debris or food. It can also be worth using mild toothpaste to brush the aligners. Alternatively, you can invest in Invisalign cleaning crystals, which act in a similar way to a denture wash and allow you to soak the aligners for 20 minutes twice a day. This will remove any deeper set stains.
As tempting as it is, you should not use hot water to clean your invisible aligners, as this can cause them to warp out of shape, rendering them useless and requiring a replacement.
Weekly selfies
It seems that lots of things now revolve around smartphones and Invisalign is no different! For dental teams to keep track of the patients that they have who are using Invisalign, there is now an app that is downloadable to smartphones. And once you begin using Invisalign, you will need to send your dental team weekly selfies showing your smile. This will allow them to assess if the treatment is progressing as planned and if any adjustments need to be made. If they do, you may need to attend your dental surgery or they may send instructions to you via the app.
Check-ups
Along with your weekly selfies, you will need to visit your dental team when you are wearing Invisalign, on average every eight weeks. This is so they can assess the condition of your gums and your teeth to ensure that gum disease is not present. And of course that you are maintaining your oral health. This also will allow you to ask any questions you may have about the ongoing work. And simply to have any worries assuaged.
If you need to see your dental team before your scheduled appointment, simply call them and enquire about their next available appointment.
Retainers
Many people believe that retainers are only needed if you have undertaken orthodontic treatment using standard fitted braces. However, this is not the case and if you have undertaken treatment using Invisalign, then you will need to wear a retainer until your dentist instructs you not to do so. Retainers do not move your teeth, rather they keep them in place, as teeth tend once they have been moved to try and go back to their original position, which can undo months of work. So keep your retainers in.
DISCLAIMER OFFSITE
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
