5 Tips for Preparing for Invisalign Treatment
If you’re tired of having crooked teeth and ready to do something about it, you aren’t alone! Many people today suffer from unsatisfactory smiles and don’t have the time or patience to seek proper treatment. However, there’s one cosmetic option that seems to have taken the dental world by storm: Invisalign! This process allows patients to achieve their smile goals quickly and subtly, without the hassle of traditional braces. If you’re thinking about receiving Invisalign to correct your teeth, here are some helpful tips to prepare you for the process.
1. Cut Back on Snacking
You’ll have to wear your Invisalign trays for 20 – 22 hours every day for them to do their job. That said, you won’t have very much time for snacking, so it’s best to break that habit beforehand. Focus on eating three solid meals every day with lots of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, and complex carbs. Try to avoid excessive sugars and processed ready-to-eat foods. If you’re diligent about your dietary habits, it makes the rest of the Invisalign process easier—no late-night snacking right before bed, either!
2. Brush After Every Meal
This lines up with cutting back on snacking; if you focus on eating three square meals every day, it’s easier to remember to brush after each one. In addition to wearing your trays frequently, it’s crucial that your teeth remain clean underneath them! They’re still quite vulnerable to tooth decay, cavities, and all sorts of other problems. Brush your teeth after every meal, before putting your trays back in.
3. Stock Up on Supplies
Even though your dentist will provide you with your Invisalign trays and their accompanying cases, there are still some other useful items you’ll want to hunt down. A Pull Tool is an especially useful device that can assist you with removing your aligners. Extra-strength Tylenol is useful for managing minor pain. You can also consider toothpaste for extra-sensitive teeth; determine your individual needs and buy what you need. Your dentist can provide additional recommendations.
4. Create A Portable Dental Kit
You should also put together a small, travel-sized dental kit that you can take everywhere with you, so you’re able to care for your teeth on the go. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy or expensive, but at least include a small toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and other essentials you might need.
5. Prepare for The Financial Implications
Invisalign is a major investment; you are paying for a better-looking and healthier smile, as well as the boost in confidence that it will provide! Be sure to figure out the financial implications beforehand, to save yourself from added stress during your treatment. Many insurance plans and dental offices have some flexibility when it comes to treatment options like Invisalign.
If you think Invisalign is a viable option for improving your smile, talk with your dentist today. Knowing how to prepare for your treatment will allow the entire process to go smoothly and produce results you’ll be incredibly pleased with.
About the Practice
Fairfax Dental Group is proud to serve the dental needs of patients and families in the Fairfax community under the leadership of Dr. Marjun Ayati and Dr. Brenda J. Young! Dr. Ayati and Dr. Young have several collective years of experience and expertise in a wide variety of fields, and their practice offers many available services including Invisalign! If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact the practice online or by phone: (703) 560-6301.