If you’re going to do Invisalign with your Kent dentist, you’ve made a great choice. Used well, the treatment’s clear aligners can straighten your teeth in only a year! That said, you’ll want to prep yourself for your first Invisalign appointment. Doing so will ensure your smile-straightening journey goes without a hitch. Luckily, your local dental practice is here to speed that process along. That said, learn how to prepare for Invisalign aligning trays with the four helpful tips below.
1. Buy the Relevant Supplies
Of course, you’ll get your aligners and a storage case when you begin Invisalign. However, you’ll have to go out and buy the other essentials.
Before your first appointment, go ahead and buy the tools you’ll need. These items might include Pull Tools, extra-strength Tylenol, or toothpaste for sensitive teeth. That way, you’ll be ready to wear your trays right when you get them.
2. Start Brushing After Each Meal
Invisalign treatment requires that you brush your teeth after each meal. (You don’t want food stuck under the trays, right?) To get used to this practice, start building the habit early! Doing so will help you know how to handle various situations, including what to do when you’re eating out. The result will be a much more seamless straightening process.
3. Put Together a Dental Kit
It’s in your interest to make the brushing mentioned above more convenient. As such, keep a dental kit with you at all times. You could add products to it like a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, pre-threaded floss, and mini mouthwash. With such things handy, you’ll better prevent aligner stains and remove bacteria from your teeth.
4. Cut Back on Snacking
Invisalign’s twenty-two-hour wear time doesn’t leave much room for snacking. As such, it’d be a good idea to break the habit now while there’s still time.
For instance, try filling your breakfast, lunch, and dinners with more nutrient-dense foods — healthy fats, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. By keeping you fuller longer, these meals would leave you less tempted to pop the aligners off for an unscheduled snack.
If you stick to the tips above, you’ll know exactly how to prepare for Invisalign. From there, things should be smooth sailing!
About the Author
Dr. Manpreet Dhaliwal is a dentist based in Kent, WA, having earned his dental doctorate from the University of Detroit’s Mercy School of Dentistry. He loves helping patients receive personalized dental treatments that truly meet their needs. As such, he specializes in high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency procedures. Dr. Dhaliwal currently practices at Complete Dental Care and is reachable on his website and by phone at (253)-854-2714.