Invisalign treatments have been one of the most frequently requested orthodontic solutions over the past few years. Invisalign is a brand offering personalised aligner trays that are designed to be almost invisible. A popular alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is suitable for many people with misaligned teeth. The invisible trays work gradually over time to shift your teeth, while you’ll attend regular appointments with your dentist to have your aligners regularly fitted and replaced.
While investing in your teeth can seem like a lengthy or expensive process, it’s well worth it. The only setback is when patients struggle to adhere to treatment plans. It happens! We’re here to explain why following your dentist’s guidance is a must if you’re looking to achieve a perfect smile. Here’s our guide on how to make the most of your Invisalign treatment.
At your initial appointment with your chosen dentist, they should explain a lot about how Invisalign works; and how it will work to suit your specific goals.
If there is anything left unsaid, you have every right to ask as many questions as you like! Learning about how Invisalign works as a process is key to being able to manage your treatment effectively. Once you’ve asked these questions, you’re more informed and able to understand exactly why certain recommendations are in place.
If you do have any specific goals, you should let your dentist know. The ideal situation is one where you work together to achieve your ideal smile!
While Invisalign is designed to be an almost-invisible alternative to braces, there are still some guidelines to follow when it comes to managing your daily habits. Invisalign aligners are translucent; however, certain foods and drinks can cause discolouration. Coffee, red wine, and tea can all stain your aligners. This means they won’t be as translucent and can take on a yellowish tinge, reducing the subtlety of your treatment of choice.
While wearing your aligners, be aware of how the drinks and foods you consume may cause deterioration and discolouration. Some dentists will recommend you only drink water while wearing Invisalign aligners. This is because sugar or bacteria can easily form inside your aligners, becoming trapped between your teeth and the ‘braces’. Once trapped inside your aligners, any bacteria has the chance to develop into plaque. Plaque plays a key role in the development of tartar and eventually, gum disease.
The positive here is that Invisalign trays are so easy to remove. As long as you remove them while eating or drinking, and brush effectively before putting back on, your aligners should stay in top condition. The fact such subtle orthodontic treatments are becoming more popular also means it’s now much less taboo to take off your aligners before eating.
When you are wearing Invisalign aligners, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly becomes even more important. As you should be wearing your aligners for much of the day and night, they’re essentially attached to your teeth. Any build-up of bacteria within the aligners or on your teeth can result in issues such as plaque, tartar, and eventually, even tooth decay.
Keeping on track and brushing your teeth after every meal is essential to making the most of your Invisalign treatment. As long as your teeth are kept as clean as possible, there’s much less risk of developing plaque or tartar issues.
Your Invisalign aligners are designed to be virtually invisible. They are bespoke made to fit to your own teeth, with the transparent material offering a subtle alternative to braces. The caveat to this is that if you don’t take proper care of your aligners, they may become discoloured over time.
We recommend patients stick to water while wearing their braces for the same reason. Many foods and drinks can stain – and while you can easily remove your trays to eat, it’s much more obvious if you have to remove them each time you take a sip of your drink.
While you are wearing your aligners and following your treatment plan, you should have regular check-ups booked in with your dentist. It’s important that you attend them, as these appointments mean your dentist can assess the movement of your teeth. They’ll examine how much progress has been made via any orthodontic shifts in your teeth, and will be able to adapt your treatment plan in accordance with how your teeth have reacted to treatment.
At each check-up, your dentist will be able to offer bespoke advice in relation to the upkeep of your Invisalign trays and the health of your teeth in general. Your dentist will work closely with you throughout your Invisalign treatment, so they’re best placed to give you the most accurate advice in line with your individual treatment plan.
At Ringway Dental, we are committed to providing each patient with the accessible and quality, lasting treatment plans they deserve. We offer Invisalign treatment plans with a 0% interest finance option if eligible. Without worrying about the cost, you can split the investment in your oral health up over the course of 36 months.
Based in Cheadle, we’re a private dental surgery specialising in cosmetic orthodontic treatments. With years of experience in providing quality dental care with a smile, we’ve transformed the teeth of thousands of patients throughout the Greater Manchester area.
If you’re looking for quality Invisalign treatment in Manchester, we’re here to help. You can reach us on 0161 437 2029 – or get in touch via our online contact form. We look forward to helping you make the most of your Invisalign treatment!