You likely can’t wait to start your Invisalign treatment so that you can take your first steps toward a straighter smile. But are you fully ready? Having a clear idea of what to expect and making the right preparations ahead of time can go a long way toward ensuring that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Below are 3 useful tips that can help you prepare for Invisalign.
1. Get a Jump Start on Changing Your Brushing Habits
Most people brush two times a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. However, with Invisalign, you will need to start brushing after every meal. This is to reduce the chances of food particles and harmful bacteria getting caught between your Invisalign aligners and your teeth. Keeping your smile and your aligners as clean as possible is essential for avoiding oral health issues that could disrupt your orthodontic treatment.
To make sure that you’re practicing optimal oral hygiene during your Invisalign treatment, it’s a good idea to change your brushing habits ahead of time. Start carrying a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with you so that you’re prepared to clean your teeth no matter where your next meal takes place.
2. Start Snacking Less Often
You’ll need to take your Invisalign aligners out whenever you consume anything besides water. However, bear in mind that your aligners need to be worn for a total of 20 to 22 hours every day; if you take them out too often, it could throw off your treatment schedule. Thus, frequent snacking is something you’ll need to avoid during the Invisalign process.
If you tend to snack a lot, you should start breaking the habit now. That way, you’ll be less tempted to snack throughout the Invisalign process, which will make it easier to meet the required wear time.
3. Make Sure the Treatment Will Fit Within Your Budget
You don’t want to break the bank while trying to straighten your smile, so it’s a good idea to thoroughly consider the financial side of Invisalign ahead of time. The cost of the treatment can vary from patient to patient based on factors such as the complexity of the case and the number of aligners required. An estimate of the overall cost can be provided at your initial consultation, allowing you to start planning.
There are several ways to make paying for Invisalign easier. Your dental insurance plan may be willing to pay for clear aligners as part of your orthodontic coverage. Alternatively, you can break up the cost of your care via CareCredit financing. Take the time to carefully explore your payment options before Invisalign treatment begins so that you can achieve your smile goals without straining your budget.
About the Author
Dr. John Warwick graduated from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Dental Medicine. He is a fellow of Begg Orthodontics, and he is a certified provider of Invisalign. He’s proud to have been able to help so many patients in Pittsburgh achieve more confident smiles thanks to clear aligners. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Warwick at Warwick Dentistry, visit his website or call (412) 391-1130.