You’re no doubt excited to start your Invisalign treatment. Not too long ago, it would’ve been nearly impossible to straighten your teeth so discretely and conveniently! Still, you might have heard that perfecting your smile with Invisalign comes with a few rules. You want to hit the ground running once you receive your aligners so you can enjoy a smooth treatment process, but how can you avoid getting off to a rocky start?
Simple: be prepared! Keep reading for some helpful pre-treatment tips.
Practice New Oral Hygiene Habits
One of the trickiest learning curves to adjust to with Invisalign is the cleaning maintenance. In order to keep your trays crystal clear and avoid bacteria build up from trapped food particles, it’s recommended to brush your teeth after every meal, not just in the morning and at night! Forming this habit now will minimize your chances of forgetting a crucial part of your routine during treatment.
Have A Travel Kit Ready to Go
You won’t always be able to clean your Invisalign aligners at home. You could rely on your memory and try to remember to bring your supplies with you, or you could have a special travel bag ready to go with its own separate, designated set of accessories. Here are some ideas for things to include:
- An extra tray case
- Travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush
- A floss pick
- Invisalign cleaning crystals and a small cup
- Bottled water
- Pain relievers
Leave your travel kit by the door, and you won’t have to worry about last-minute packing on that one day you’re running late for work!
Plan For Smarter Snacking
Since you’ll have to wear your Invisalign trays for 22 hours per day to keep pace with your treatment timeline, it might be wise to also adjust your snacking habits. You’ll only have so much “out-of-mouth” time to spare, after all.
But not everyone can go the whole day without a between-meal pick-me-up. Those with larger appetites and faster metabolisms should plan for this by choosing snacks high in fiber and protein. Peanut butter, bananas, and nuts will help you feel fuller and more satisfied, reducing how frequently you’ll need a munchy break.
Ask Your Dentist for Suggestions
As a professional and your treatment partner, your dentist will probably have more helpful suggestions for getting ready to start the Invisalign process. Odds are they’re also familiar with your unique oral situation, habits, and preferences, so some of those suggestions could be tailored to your individual needs. Rest assured – your dentist would be thrilled if you asked them how you can best ensure your treatment goes smoothly!
About the Practice
Dr. Reem Saywa and Dr. Carolyn Romzick are experienced and passionate dentists who love helping patients achieve their dream smiles! That’s why both actively pursue advanced training opportunities to expand their skillset; Dr. Saywa is even a Certified Invisalign Provider. If you’d like professional advice on preparing for your Invisalign treatment, give Dr. Saywa and Dr. Romzick’s office a call at 248-855-4850.