In life, it’s important to be prepared. You probably wouldn’t jump into a pool without a swimsuit or take a long drive without filling your gas tank, so naturally you wouldn’t want to start your Invisalign treatment without taking a few important steps first. If you’re considering a smile makeover with the help of Invisalign, here are a few ways you can dive in and get yourself ready for the journey to your beautiful new look.
Up Your Brushing
You already brush your teeth twice a day, but with Invisalign, you must brush every time you eat. This is because when you wear aligners, food can easily become trapped against the teeth with no way to be rinsed away. Thus, it is a good idea to get into the habit of regular brushing before your treatment even starts. That way, you won’t have to think twice about doing it when your aligners are here.
Limit Snacks
For successful treatment it is recommended that you wear your Invisalign aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day. Use those two “free” hours wisely. The more snacks you have, the less time you will have to enjoy a full meal. By having more filling meals, you will need less snacks, so you can enjoy your breakfast, lunch, and dinner without having to rush to get your aligners back in.
Get Supplies
While Invisalign aligners are much easier to maintain than traditional braces, they still do require a few care supplies. Stock up on the necessities before your treatment begins so you’re not left scrambling looking for everything at the last minute. Here are a few items you may want to consider purchasing in advance:
- An aligner removal tool
- Invisalign cleansing crystals
- Chewies (to help ensure your aligners are fitted properly)
Make a To-Go Kit
You can’t always be home, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still care for your teeth when you must go away. Create your own Invisalign emergency kit to protect your smile on the go, and consider including the following items:
- A toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Over the counter pain medication
- Your dentist’s contact information
- A water bottle
- Cleansing crystals
- Mini mouthwash
- Sugar-free mints
Build Your Budget
If you are considering Invisalign, make sure you know how you will pay for your treatment. Some insurance plans may cover part of your treatment, but you may still have a balance. Some dental practices may have financing options available, so ask your dentist if his or her practice accepts this type of plan.
Getting Invisalign is a great way to invest in your smile, but for the best results, be sure you are ready to go on day one. With the above tips, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful new look!
About Dr. Shah
For over 20 years, Dr. Vrajesh Shah has been helping patients achieve healthier smiles. He places a heavy emphasis on patient satisfaction and wants to help each person that walks through his door achieve their ultimate smile goals. He has attended countless hours of continuing education and is a current member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, to name a few.
In addition to practicing dentistry, Dr. Shah is a skilled prosthodontist, training at the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah, please visit our website or call 732-896-9975.