Are you considering undergoing orthodontic treatment to straighten your pearly whites? One of the quickest and most discreet ways to do this is with Invisalign. Since you’ll wear a series of clear aligners, you’ll be able to show off your pearly whites without others noticing. However, you must wear them for the required 20-22 hours to make the most efficient progress. Read on to learn three tips that can help you meet your Invisalign wear time!
Tip #1: Reduce How Often You Snack
A rule of thumb when undergoing Invisalign treatment is that you’ll need to remove your clear aligners every time you eat or drink anything (except for pure water). This can be problematic if you tend to snack often, as this means you’ll need to constantly take your trays out and clean them throughout the day, taking away from your wear time. To maintain a smooth and quick process, it’s best to reduce how frequently you snack between meals. Try eating fiber-rich foods (like veggies, fruits, and nuts) and lean protein to keep yourself full throughout your day.
Tip #2: Multitask During Mealtime
You’ll want to ensure you preserve your clear aligners during your treatment to avoid any complications. This will involve brushing and rinsing them as well as soaking your Invisalign trays in cleaning crystals (or similar components) to clear away debris and plaque. Since you’ll need to wear your clear aligners as often as possible while keeping them clean, you should consider soaking them while you’re eating! This will help you stay nourished and preserve your Invisalign simultaneously.
Tip #3: Try to Avoid Scrolling Through Entertainment
Do you like to look through social media on your phone or watch the latest Netflix series during mealtime? While this can make eating more enjoyable, it can also keep you away from meeting your required 20–22-hour wear time. Instead of spending about 15-30 minutes eating, you can easily go an hour or more without your clear aligners on. If you want to make sure you achieve steady progress with your treatment process, try to not watch TV or scroll through your phone while you eat.
With these few tips, you should be able to maintain a steady and efficient schedule for straightening your pearly whites. After 12 to 18 months, you can be sure to finally enjoy your new and improved smile for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Christina Blacher earned her dental degree from the Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. She also regularly pursues advanced training to expand her expertise so that her patients receive the best quality care they deserve. She provides multiple comprehensive treatments, including Invisalign to help you achieve perfectly straight teeth. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to visit our website or call 214-383-5511.
