Are you eagerly awaiting your first appointment with your dentist to discuss straightening your teeth? Whether it’s been years since you’ve wanted to take this first step or you recently learned it was an option, you likely have many questions about the process and what you can expect if you’re a candidate. In this article, we’ll discuss how to prepare for Invisalign treatment, so you can start on your journey to a healthier, more perfectly aligned smile.
Avoid Snacking Throughout the Day
If you consider yourself to be a “snacker,” you may want to go ahead and get out of this habit as quickly as possible. Why? Because Invisalign is a clear aligner system that requires you to remove your trays before eating. While this may not seem like a big deal, you’ll want to avoid taking out your aligners, as you are instructed to wear them 20-22 hours a day. Removing them to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner is fine, but keeping them out for prolonged periods due to snacking can cause a potential delay in your treatment.
Brush Your Teeth After Eating
To keep your aligners looking their best, you’ll need to make sure you clean them (as well as your teeth) after every meal. Before ever starting your treatment, you can get into the habit of keeping a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss in a small pouch when going to work, school, or simply leaving the house. This will ensure your teeth are free of harmful particles that can eventually transfer to your aligners.
Make Sure You’re Committed
Invisalign clear aligners are a flexible and enjoyable way to straighten your teeth; however, you must be committed to the process. If you are someone who has trouble adhering to a specific set of guidelines, you may want to consider an alternative orthodontic solution.
With Invisalign, you’ll need to stay on top of your oral hygiene routine, make sure you’re wearing your trays 20-22 hours a day, clean your aligners regularly to avoid stains and bacterial accumulation, and follow up with your dentist according to a specifically designed schedule to ensure your teeth are moving accordingly.
Determine if Invisalign is a Financially Affordable Option
While you may be eager to get started with Invisalign, you must first understand the financial commitment that comes with this type of orthodontic treatment. Having a clear estimate in front of you will help you determine how to pay for Invisalign without emptying your savings.
If you have dental insurance, make sure you review the terms to learn if clear aligners are covered. If the dentist you’re seeing offers specials, take advantage of them. If you plan to finance your aligner treatment, make sure to find out the details from a member of their dental team.
Following these simple tips in preparation for your appointment will ensure you have less stress when it comes to all aspects of your care.
About the Practice
Pure Dental Spa has two locations in the Chicago area – Lincoln Park and West Loop. Providing patients with effective ways to straighten their smiles, we are pleased to have a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Philip Rutkowski, who is on staff and works closely to identify the right solutions for patients in need. If Invisalign is the desired treatment option, he will help individuals better prepare for what the process will be like and how to get ready for a new and improved smile. To find out how we can help you, visit our website.