Phones, TVs, and computers have become slimmer as time has passed. Even books have transformed into tiny digital copies. The desire for smaller technology has not skipped the orthodontic world! Clear aligners, also known as trays, straighten the teeth over time and offer a look so clear and sleek that they are practically invisible.
Sawgrass Orthodontics is a proud provider of Invisalign clear aligners for all ages! Don’t let their slim design fool you — they can fix any mild or moderate issue just as well as braces can! In addition, Invisalign boasts a shorter average treatment time than metal braces.
We’re just as excited as you to see your new smile! To help you achieve your dream smile quickly, we’ve gathered our top 5 keys to successful treatment with clear aligners.
Please wear your aligners!
As advanced as they are, the aligners are not telekinetic. Unfortunately, they cannot straighten your teeth if you forget to wear them!
It is important to remember to wear them for the prescribed amount of time, usually between twenty and twenty-two hours per day. You should remove the trays to eat or drink anything other than water and clean your mouth and aligners. The more you wear them, the quicker you can finish treatment and have the smile you’ve been hoping for.
Flossing + brushing = healthy mouth
Wearing clear aligners does not mean you can skip out on your oral hygiene! The trays do not guard against germs; your teeth can still get plaque and bacteria. If your gums and teeth are not adequately cleaned, they can develop cavities, infections, gum disease, and other side effects.
A consistently kept routine can help prevent bad breath and tooth loss. You should remove the trays to floss and brush your teeth twice daily. Remember to continue caring for your teeth during treatment so that your mouth is healthy when treatment is over.
If you have any questions about perfecting your oral hygiene routine, please ask during your appointment! Our team at Sawgrass Orthodontics is always happy to help.
Don’t forget to clean them!
Just like cleaning your teeth, you need to clean your aligning trays! Though you switch them every one to two weeks, they can still get dirty and grow bacteria and plaque that spread to your teeth.
Cleaning the trays is also how they stay “invisible” while you wear them. Remember to clean and sanitize them to prevent residue from making the trays visible in your mouth. Unclean trays are prone to an unpleasant smell and taste, which can quickly overpower your fresh breath.
Luckily, keeping the trays clean is quick and easy! Unlike braces, you don’t need to learn a new routine or carry special tools (except for maybe a travel toothbrush). Every night, you simply run the trays under lukewarm water and gently brush them with a separate toothbrush from the one you use to brush your teeth. You can use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or a denture cleaning solution if you need a stronger clean. Before using any products on your clear aligners, ask Dr. Kristen or Dr. Penny if they are safe for the aligners.
Pro tip: To keep the trays extra clean, we recommend brushing your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners on. This hinders leftover food or drinks from staining your clear trays.
“Have you seen my clear aligners?”
Searching for lost aligners can be frustrating and inconvenient. They are small, clear, and, sadly, easy to lose. There is no way of knowing how many clear aligners have ended up in restaurant trash cans or left behind in a napkin at a movie theater.
There is also the possibility that your pet might think the aligners are the perfect chew toy. Aligners can be damaged if stepped on or squashed by heavy books, among other things. Lost or damaged trays sound like a myth — if you’re only taking them out to eat and brush your teeth, what could go wrong? No one thinks they will need replacement trays until it happens to them.
Please carry the protective case for your aligners wherever you go. The case protects them from danger and makes them harder to forget because they are easier to see than the aligners. Waiting on replacement trays might extend your treatment time, and we know you want your new smile as soon as possible!
Hey! No skipping!
Before receiving your Invisalign trays, you are shown a digital prediction of your final smile. It can be so exciting and motivating to know what you’re working towards! It can be tempting to skip over a few trays or not wait for the total number of days before putting in the next tray.
However, attempts to speed up the process will only slow it down. Trying to force a tray that doesn’t fit yet could damage the tray and you will likely have to wait for a new one to be ordered. You might also change the way your teeth move if you wear the wrong aligner for too long, requiring adjustments to your treatment plan. Both could delay your completion of the program.
Only change the trays when Dr. Kristen and Dr. Penny have prescribed for you to get the perfect smile right on schedule.
Call or visit us today!Have more questions or want to discover if clear aligners are right for you? Call or visit us to schedule your appointment with our experienced and professional team to get quality care and information. At Sawgrass Orthodontics, we treat every patient like family!
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