If you have been doing some research on orthodontic options, the chances are good that you’ve come across Invisalign as a popular treatment method. Invisalign has been around the orthodontic scene for nearly 20 years, but they have grown in popularity over time as they have decreased in price and become more effective at treating more alignment challenges.
Invisalign is also extremely popular because they are so easy to use! Instead of adding a semi-permanent device to your smile, like braces, Invisalign is completely removable and almost completely invisible. For this reason, it fits with many people’s lifestyles, boosting their self-confidence during treatment.
If you are considering asking your orthodontist about Invisalign, then you will need to know some basic tips and tricks to have the best possible experience with your treatment. Dr. Scaffidi at Scaffidi Orthodontics has been recommending Invisalign to many of his patients over the years and he knows exactly what his patients need to have a super-successful treatment with Invisalign.
Let’s learn more:
How to Maintain and Wear a Retainer
Invisalign is beloved because they are so simple to use. The primary rule of thumb when starting Invisalign treatment is to make sure that you are wearing them all the time. That means wearing them at all times except when eating, drinking, or brushing. It add up to over 22 hours a day you should be wearing your retainers to have the most efficient and successful treatment.
Maintaining your teeth while using Invisalign is also really simple. You can remove your retainer trays and brush and floss as normal since you don’t have any apparatus on your teeth to slow down the process. You will also need to keep your retainers clean, but we’ll talk about that a little more later. Just be sure that you are keeping up with your regular oral health routine with a minimum of twice daily brushing and once daily flossing. Many people also like to brush or at least rinse out their mouths after eating and before putting their retainers back in. This will reduce the amount of food particles getting stuck in your retainers, and keep both your retainer and teeth fresh.
How to Keep Retainers Safe
One of the biggest downsides to Invisalign is that the retainers are removable and therefore easily losable. Some people may struggle to keep up with their retainers more than others, but no matter how responsible you are, we recommend carrying retainer cases with you to help yo avoid losing them.
You have probably seen the trope of a kid wrapping their retainer in a napkin and then accidentally tossing them in the trash at school. The best way to beat this trope is by keeping a case in your backpack, purse, or work bag to store your retainers while eating and drinking to keep them safe and prevent them from getting lost.
How to Keep Retainers Clean
Keeping your Invisalign retainers clean is your other prime objective when taking care of your retainers. Keeping them clean is really important since they are spending so much time in your mouth. You want to prevent putting old germs, bacteria, plaque, and food particles back into your mouth again and again. This can cause tooth decay and infections in the worst cases.
Keep your retainers clean by brushing them at least once per day with an antibacterial cleanser. Avoid using toothpaste since they often contain tiny adhesive properties that can scratch and harm your retainer. Instead, use an alcohol-free mouthwash or hand soap and a toothbrush to scrub all surfaces of your retainers. Rinse well and now your retainer is ready to be safely worn again!
Don’t Forget to Switch!
Another essential component of maintaining your Invisalign treatment is switching your retainers on schedule. When you visit Dr. Scaffidi for check-ups, he will provide you with the retainers you need for ongoing treatment. He will instruct you at the pace you should be changing your retainers, often one to two weeks.
Mark on your calendar the day that you will need to upgrade to the new aligner, and simply toss the old ones in the trash when you’re finished. If you are being diligent about wearing them all day every day and every night, then you should feel and see your teeth slowly shift over time with each new aligner set that you wear.
Find the Supportive Team You Need!
Now that you know all the basics to wear and care for your Invisalign retainers, you should be ready to consider if this treatment is right for you! Before you get your hopes up, be sure to visit Scaffidi Orthodontics and discuss your treatment options with Dr. Scaffidi. While Invisalign is a great fit for many patients, it won’t be right for everyone, so it’s a good idea to get a consultation first.
Thankfully Dr. Scaffidi offers free consultations to first-time patients at his office, so be sure to call one of the offices to set up your free appointment. Conveniently located in Slidell, Kenner, and New Orleans, you can count on our team to help craft a smile that you can be proud of! Give us a call today and be sure to mention that you are interested in exploring Invisalign as an option!