It’s easy to see why Invisalign is such a popular alternative to traditional braces. You can straighten your teeth with clear aligners while still enjoying your favorite foods and showing off your pearly whites. Still, you’ll want to make the most of your treatment and avoid having to repeat it later. Read on to learn a few easy tips that can help you feel prepared and set you up for a successful process.
Be Ready for Lots of Brushing
Keeping your teeth healthy is especially important while you’re wearing Invisalign. Even with your usual brushing and flossing routine, you’ll want to maintain your oral hygiene to lower your risk of developing a cavity that could interrupt your treatment. Don’t forget to give your aligners a good cleaning after you eat so that food particles and bacteria don’t stick around your smile.
Rethink Your Snacking Habits
Frequent snacking can make it harder to keep your Invisalign aligners in for the recommended 22 hours each day. If you tend to graze throughout the day, try choosing more filling foods, especially options with protein and fiber, so you can stay satisfied longer. You can also enjoy smaller portions or plan your snacks around your meals to spend less time without your aligners.
Assemble a To-Go Kit
Since you’ll need to keep your aligners in for most of the day, it helps to be prepared when you’re away from home. Putting together a small Invisalign kit means you’ll have what you need to clean your teeth, care for your aligners, and stay comfortable wherever your day takes you. Consider keeping these essentials together so you can grab them whenever you head out:
- A travel toothbrush
- A travel-sized toothpaste
- An extra aligner case
- Dental floss
- Pain relievers, just in case
- An Invisalign removal tool, if you use one
- Invisalign cleaning crystals, if you soak your aligners
Check Your Dental Insurance Policy
Your dental coverage might help cover some of the cost of Invisalign, but every plan is different. Before starting treatment, double-check your benefits to see what’s covered and whether there are any requirements you need to meet. If the details are confusing, your dental team can help you understand your policy and make sure you know what to expect from your insurance.
Starting your Invisalign journey doesn’t have to be complicated! Keep the above tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to have a smoother process.
About the Practice
At Belmont Family Dentistry, we are proud to provide gentle, personalized care to families throughout Portland, OR. Our team offers Invisalign clear aligners to help patients achieve a straighter, healthier smile more comfortably and discreetly. Get to know our dentists and see why so many neighbors trust us with their smiles. From your first visit to your final aligner, we will guide you every step of the way. Ready to get started? Contact our team or call (503) 234-1218 to schedule your Invisalign consultation today!