3 Tips for Invisalign for Teens

Many teenagers like Invisalign® because it offers a discreet way to straighten out teeth. A few tips can help make your experience go better. For example, you will need to wear them often enough each day. Keep reading to learn a few tips for wearing your aligners.

Keep the teeth very clean

The aligners can hold bacteria and plaque against the teeth. Both the trays and the teeth need to be kept extremely clean. It is important to brush before putting in the aligners each time. That can prevent cavities during treatment.

Everyone should floss each day. However, with Invisalign, it is even more important. Anything left on the teeth will be trapped there. It will not be able to work its way out. In addition, a patient’s saliva will not wash away any bacteria. Some dentists may recommend flossing more than once a day.

Some patients switch to whitening toothpaste during treatment. After the teeth are brushed, remnants of the toothpaste can still remain in place. The aligner will hold this against the teeth because the saliva will not wash it away. These remnants have whitening products and fluoride in them. However, it is a good idea to avoid other whitening treatments until after Invisalign is over.

Wear the aligners properly

Patients will need to spend at least 22 hours each day wearing the aligners. If the trays are not worn for this amount of time, the treatment may not work properly. Each set of trays assumes that the teeth will be in the new position. However, if the teeth do not move properly, then the next aligners will not fit right.

This also includes switching out the trays in the right order on time. Sometimes, the dentist may tell the patient to let the old aligner stay for a few more days. Putting in new trays will not help the treatment to go any faster. In fact, it can prevent the teeth from being ready for the new set of trays.

Use a retainer after treatment

A dentist will tell the patient how much to wear the retainer for. After having Invisalign for several months or a few years, patients may not want another aligner. However, this means that the progress may be lost. Many patients need to wear the retainer the same length of time as the aligners.

After a while, the retainer can be worn only at night. Just like with aligners, the retainer will need to be cleaned often. It is still important to follow the dentist’s instructions for the care of the teeth. This can help the teeth to maintain their new positions and prevent a relapse.

Choose Invisalign today

With the right care, your Invisalign experience can go smoothly and quickly. It is important to clean your teeth properly all the time. You will also want to wear your retainer after your treatment is over. If you are interested in using Invisalign, making an appointment is a good idea.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carolinasmilesdentist.com or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at (828) 974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.

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