Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments available today for adults and teens alike, enabling people to get the straighter smiles they’ve always wanted while not having to worry about bulky metal braces throwing off their daily appearance. If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign in Oklahoma City, you’re probably wondering how it will affect your day to day life– will you have to make major adjustments for it to feel comfortable? Today, Dr. Michael Kirk is going to share a few easy tips that will ensure that the journey to your new smile is nice and smooth from beginning to end.
1. Talking
Dr. Kirk designs every Invisalign tray to fit snuggly and comfortably over the teeth so they feel like they’re practically not there, but they may initially change the way it feels to pronounce certain words or syllables. To get used to speaking with your trays, you should simply…speak with your trays! Read out loud for a few minutes a day or sing in your shower or car to help your tongue and lips naturally adapt. After a day or two, you’ll likely forget you’re even wearing them!
2. Eating
One of the best parts about Invisalign is that patients can simply take their trays out whenever it’s time to eat, meaning they don’t have to worry about restricting their diet like they would with braces. It should be noted that if someone is in a rush, they should never try to eat with their trays on. The thin plastic just isn’t designed to withstand the chewing forces, so this can easily warp or break them. After a meal, a patient should gently rinse their mouth and trays with water to remove any excess debris.
3. Drinking
Just like with eating, a patient should always take their trays out whenever they’re having a refreshing beverage. The only exception here is plain water. If a patient is drinking anything that contains sugar (which is pretty much everything except water), they should remove their trays until their glass is empty.
4. Oral Hygiene
Patients are able to brush and floss like normal because Invisalign is removable, but they will need to slightly alter their daily oral hygiene routine because their trays should be cleaned regularly as well. After brushing and flossing, a patient should rinse their trays and gently brush them with a special cleaner and brush we provide. Normal toothbrushes and toothpastes are too abrasive for the trays and can cause scratches that create ideal places for bacteria to accumulate. When you get your first set of trays, Dr. Kirk will show you how to clean them so you can keep your smile nice and healthy throughout treatment.
As you can see, living with Invisalign is pretty easy when you get down to it, which is why so many people love it! All in all, a patient basically just has to wear their trays as much as possible, take them out whenever it’s time to eat, and make sure to clean them regularly. With that, they’ll be enjoying a beautifully straight smile in no time.
To learn more about Invisalign and how we can get you (or your teen) started on the road to a renewed smile, contact your cosmetic dentist in Oklahoma City today.