Have you been longing for straight teeth, but you don’t want the fuss of wearing a brace? one80 Dental offer Invisalign clear aligners treatment, carried out by an experienced orthodontist here in Sheffield.
This revolutionary treatment has corrected over 9 million smiles worldwide, and gives patients multiple freedoms including the ability to eat and brush like normal. Below, we discuss how you can take care of your aligners, to get the best out of your treatment, and outline facts about Invisalign every patient should know before starting.
How to look after your Invisalign trays
Caring for your bespoke Invisalign aligners is vital on your journey to straight teeth. Observe the following advice to get the best out of your orthodontic treatment.
Clean your aligners regularly
Getting into a habit of cleaning your Invisalign trays regularly from the moment you begin treatment will bring about many benefits. Cleaning them morning and night, at the same time as when you brush and floss, will help to remove any bacteria and food particles, preventing bad breath and lessening your chances of developing decay and gingivitis (the early stages of gum disease). To clean your aligners effectively, soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals and lukewarm water for 15 minutes. You can then use a toothbrush to brush them gently.
Steer clear of toothpaste and scented soaps for cleaning
As toothpaste is the go-to dental aid for keeping teeth clean, it can be tempting to use this on your aligners. The truth is, that as it contains abrasive elements, toothpaste can affect the transparency of your aligners, undermining the discreet design of the Invisalign system altogether. Unsurprisingly, using scented soaps is likely to leave an unpleasant flavour in your mouth, and should be avoided also.
Don’t eat with your aligners in
One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that you’re able to take them out to eat normally. Failing to do so could lead to damage or staining, resulting in a potential trip to the orthodontist here at one80 Dental in Sheffield. It is possible to consume water without needing to remove your aligners.
Don’t forget to use your case!
Anytime your aligners aren’t in your mouth, their home should be their case. Each time you take them out to brush or eat, you should be placing them in their case to avoid accidentally misplacing them (this is very common!) and damaging them. Waiting for replacement aligners will prolong the course of your treatment, so it’s in your interests to take care of them, wherever you go.
Be regimental
Having a routine in place for brushing, flossing and cleaning your aligners is vital from the get to. Failing to brush and floss even just once presents an opportunity for bacteria to build up and cause decay, whilst failing to clean your aligners can cause staining. Why not use an alarm on your phone to remind you each day?
Contact us if you lose your aligners
Should you misplace your aligners, please contact the practice as soon as possible, so replacement aligners can be created as soon as possible. We recommend making a note of your name and contact number on your aligner case, so that if they become lost, they’re more likely to be returned to you.
Invisalign: some less well-known facts to know
If you’re yet to start your Invisalign journey and you’re in the research phase, here are a few things you should know before starting treatment.
You can expect less trips to the dentist
Part of wearing metal braces is having them adjusted, in order to keep teeth alignment active. This is usually every few weeks, however with Invisalign, you can simply move on to the next tray every 2 weeks. Whilst you will need to make occasional visits so we can monitor your progress, these will be less frequent than if you were to opt for fixed metal braces.
You’ll see your results, before you even begin
Through taking digital scans of your teeth, we’re able to create a projection of what your straight teeth will look like, before you even start orthodontic treatment. This sophisticated technology allows us to see the individual movements your teeth will go through, which makes for a highly predictable outcome. It’s also a great source of motivation for patients, who can see tangible results, prior to even beginning the aligner-wearing part of treatment.
With Invisalign, you’re in good company
As Invisalign is favoured by some of the biggest celebrity names out there, you can be sure you’re opting for one of the best orthodontic treatments out there. Celebrities including Kathy Bates (who was interviewed about her experience of Invisalign), Niall Horan, Billie Eilish (who even mentions Invisalign in a song!), Tom Cruise and Serena Williams have all used the Invisalign system to achieve straight teeth.
Invisalign is a path to healthier teeth
When people consider orthodontic treatment, the most prominent motivation is to have straight teeth, for a more aesthetic-looking smile. However, seeking orthodontic treatment from a reputable orthodontist here in Sheffield can also greatly benefit your dental health. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, as the surfaces are more exposed, allowing you to reach nooks and crannies more easily. Consequently, this reduces your chance of developing problems like decay, disease and bad breath.
Did you know? You can try on your new smile in 60 seconds from home, with the SmartView experience. Follow this link to see a projection of what your teeth could look like, post-Invisalign treatment.
Want to know more about orthodontic treatment at one80 Dental? Take a look at our Orthodontic FAQs page here. Contact us to book your appointment with an orthodontist here in Sheffield. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to a straight smile.
