Invisalign is an excellent option for older teens as well as adults who have all their teeth intact. Invisalign is different than traditional metal braces as it uses clear, removable trays that gently reposition the teeth. Men and women in San Marcos, CA are turning their backs on traditional metal braces for this clear alternative treatment that can give them straighter teeth without sacrificing their appearance.
Dr. Jeffrey Allred of Allred Dental in San Marcos, CA, offers Invisalign as an effective treatment for his patients who want straighter teeth without the visibility of traditional braces. If you have been considering this orthodontic treatment, you will want to follow these six simple steps to help get that brilliant, straight smile of your dreams.
1. Wear your aligners
Once you have decided to use Invisalign as your teeth straightening method, you will need to wear your aligners most of the time -- at least 20 hours per day. The more you wear them, the faster your teeth shift into their new positions. Unfortunately, your teeth will not change if your aligners are sitting in their case. Traditional braces are different in that they are left on for your entire treatment. Invisalign requires more diligence on your part since you must remember to wear the aligners as much as possible. Forgetting to wear your aligners will delay your progress as your teeth will take longer to move into their new position. Patients who are not willing to commit to the time and upkeep involved with Invisalign may want to consider traditional braces instead.
2. Take your case
When not wearing your aligners, keep track of them by storing them in your case. Replacing them is costly and hinders your progress. When eating and drinking, some patients in San Marcos, CA opt for a brightly colored storage case that stands out in cluttered places, like dining tables. It’s recommended to employ good habits that will help you keep track of your case, like always placing it in the same place when you are storing your aligners. This can keep you from accidentally throwing away your aligners, which could be a frustrating, stinky, or expensive mistake.
3. Remove your aligners while eating
Always remove your aligners while you are eating. Failure to remove them while you are eating could potentially damage the appliances. Even when you are drinking something, the best practice is to remove them and place them in your case until after you have finished eating or performing a task like brushing your teeth.
4. Pay attention to your fit
Under the guidance of Dr. Allred at Allred Dental in San Marcos, CA, you will wear your aligners for a specific amount of time before you are ready to move onto the next. It is normal to feel some pressure or even discomfort for the first few days of a new set. If something does not feel right after a few days of wear, it is essential to call our office so we can assess what is happening.
In some instances, patients may not be ready for the next set of aligners as soon as anticipated and will continue to wear the older set until the new movement has taken place -- which will be determined by Dr. Allred. A good rule of thumb is that each time you take out your aligners, massage them gently into place before biting down.
5. Cleaning routine
You will always want to clean your aligners before wearing them every next day. Rinse and brush them every night to keep them clean and refreshed. Improper cleaning can lead to plaque or food particles getting stuck in the aligners which can cause cavities and bad breath as well as other unwanted problems. During your consultation with Dr. Allred, he will provide you detailed care instructions to follow.
6. Don’t miss appointments
Invisalign is a fantastic alternative to traditional braces due to its convenience factor. Dental patients in San Marcos, CA should maintain their regularly scheduled follow-up appointments at Allred Dental so our dental care team can ensure proper treatment and help you continue on the right treatment path. Dr. Allred assess your progress at every visit, estimating how long the aligners will be worn.
For many men and women in San Marcos, CA, Invisalign aligners are proving to a great option to fix crowded and poorly spaced teeth versus traditional metal braces. With the help of Invisalign, you can finally have the gorgeous straight smile you always envisioned. If you are interested in learning more, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Allred at Allred Dental in San Marcos, CA today.