Have you committed to getting Invisalign to straighten your teeth? If so, you’re probably excited to get the promising results for a more perfect smile. Before starting your treatment, you might consider gathering and practicing a few things to make your process as smooth as possible. Read on to learn a few tips on how to prepare for Invisalign in New Lenox!
#1: Start Brushing After Meals
It’s important to brush your teeth and trays after every meal during Invisalign treatment. Doing so will help you avoid accumulating debris or plaque in your mouth or on your aligners, that way they’re clean and healthy throughout the process. To help familiarize yourself with this habit, you can practice brushing after your meals early on. Try cleaning your teeth when you’re out with friends or at a restaurant to make this transition easier.
#2: Reduce Your Snacking
For Invisalign to work, you’ll need to wear your clear trays for 20-22 hours every day. This leaves little room for you to munch on an occasional treat in between meals. To avoid the need to remove and clean your aligners frequently, it’s best to avoid snacking throughout the day. Instead, choose meals with lean meats and fiber-rich foods (like fruits, veggies, or nuts) to keep you fuller for longer.
#3: Create Your Dental Kit
To help make your cleaning process more convenient during your treatment, you should buy travel-sized dental products. Your dental kit can consist of a toothbrush, toothpaste, mini mouthwash, and pre-threaded floss. This is especially useful if you have a busy schedule!
#4: Gather Any Other Helpful Supplies
You’ll mainly be provided with your Invisalign trays and their storage case for your treatment. Fortunately, there are additional products that can make your process much easier to manage. A few helpful products include a Pull Tool orthodontic appliance to help remove your trays, toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and OTC pain relievers.
#5: Understand the Cost of Treatment
While Invisalign can effectively straighten your smile, it can sometimes feel overwhelming when considering the cost. Knowing how you’ll afford Invisalign is an important factor for ensuring a stress-free treatment. Be sure to ask if your dentist accepts dental insurance or if they offer alternative financial plans to help with your payments.
Getting these few parts in order before undergoing Invisalign can significantly improve your experience with the process. You can also speak with your dentist along the way if you have any questions, and they’ll be sure to help you achieve a perfectly straight smile!
About the Author
Dr. Sherif Albert graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He also regularly seeks continuing education to stay on top of the latest advances in the field. He’s passionate about delivering comprehensive and state-of-the-art treatments for his patients, offering multiple advanced procedures, including Invisalign. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or want to know more about preparing for Invisalign treatment, visit his website or call him at 815-462-9990.