How to Make the Most Out of Your Invisible Braces
One of the best things about orthodontic treatment is that there are so many options to choose from, so there’s always something for everyone. The amount of choice means that people can suit their treatment to their personal circumstances, finances and daily routine. Adults tend to choose invisible braces – also known as clear aligners – because they can very easily fit within people’s circumstances.
Invisible aligners tend to be the number one option for people who don’t like the sound of fixed metal braces and would like some flexibility surrounding their treatment. If you find yourself reading this article, it’s probably because you have invisible braces; so, keep reading to find out how you can make the most out of your treatment. Let’s make it worth it!
Stick to your treatment
One of the most important things to consider when you have invisible aligners is that you have to stick to your treatment. Rather than having a brace fixed to your teeth semi-permanently, an invisible brace is placed over the teeth and worn for a certain amount of time each day – this wholly depends on the recommendations from your provider. However, because the treatment is flexible, this means that you are wholly responsible for sticking to your treatment plan.
Invisible braces can be worn during the day or at night while you sleep, but it is up to you to remind yourself to pop them in and take them out when required. If you forget to stick to your plan, you might risk extending the length of your treatment and not getting your money’s worth. Clear brace cost UK can be high depending on what provider you choose to go with, so keep this in mind!
Keep up with oral hygiene
When you have invisible braces, your oral hygiene routine should be your number one priority. Excellent oral hygiene is important for everyone, but it should be considered even more importantly by people receiving orthodontic treatment. Dental experts highlight some of the issues that can come with wearing an aligner if you don’t take proper care of your teeth.
For example, when you eat food, your salivary glands are stimulated to produce even more saliva; this saliva is then used to protect your tooth enamel. However, when wearing your aligners – especially more so if you wear them for longer periods throughout the day – your saliva isn’t reaching your teeth meaning that you’re not reaping the benefits of the saliva. This is why you should develop an all-encompassing oral hygiene routine that you follow at least twice per day.
When creating your routine, there are various things you can invest in to ensure your teeth are getting the proper clean they need when wearing a retainer. Some of these things include an electric toothbrush, mouthwash, floss and a tongue scraper. These tools will ensure there a limited build-up of plaque in the mouth each day to protect your teeth from decay and cavities. Top tip: rinse your mouth with some mouthwash throughout the day to give your mouth a freshen up when wearing your invisible brace.
Be mindful of what you eat
Thirdly, you can make the most of your invisible aligner by staying mindful of what you eat every day. Attempt to limit the amount of sugar you eat each day and avoid troublesome foods when you are wearing your aligner. This usually depends on the person as different foods will present issues for different people. Overall, this is worth keeping this in mind for the length of time you have your treatment.
Have a backup set
Dental experts recommend that you keep a backup set of aligners just in case you are unfortunate enough to lose a pair. As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, you have to stick to your treatment plan to make the most out of it and to reap the benefits of it. However, if you lose an aligner this becomes impossible. Plus, you don’t want to have to extend the effort of ordering a new pair, waiting for them to arrive, and consequently slowing your treatment down.
Moreover, it’s useful to keep a spare brace so you can switch each day between cleaning your aligner. Some people like to give their aligner a deeper clean than others, and if you are pushed for time, you might not be able to consistently clean them throughout your daily routine.
Reach out for advice
Our final tip to help you make the most of your invisible aligners is to reach out for advice if you need help. Your provider and dental professional will be there to answer any questions you have, so don’t hesitate in reaching out. The last thing you want to do is to slow down your treatment!
How will you make the most of your orthodontic treatment?
