When it comes to straightening your teeth as a teenager or adult, there are a range of options available, especially if you have what is considered a mild to moderate dental misalignment with your frontmost teeth.
One of the most popular options available in 2022 to dental patients is invisible aligners. These are custom-fitted plastic mouth guards that can move your teeth over the span of around 3 to 6 months using vector points. In an average set of aligners, there will be between 12 and 14 aligners that have to be worn in a specific order for around two weeks at a time.
Because they are similar to mouth guards, aligners can be removed, meaning that, unlike traditional braces, they are more visually discreet and, therefore, easier to fit into an adult lifestyle.
But what are some of the top tips for using Invisalign in Sheffield to ensure you get the results you desire within the required time? Read on to find out.
Keep them in!
Invisible aligners are removable, so for them to work effectively, you need to keep them in your mouth. In most cases, it takes around 22 hours a day to allow the aligners to adequately apply pressure to the preselected locations. If you do not wear your aligners for this period, your teeth may revert to their former positions, and the alignment itself may even cease, so always be sure to keep them in.
Keep them clean!
You also need to keep the aligners clean to ensure that they remain invisible and that your teeth do not become affected by plaque or debris. Aligners are easy to clean, and all you need to do is rinse them under cold water and remove any food debris with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not run the aligners under hot water or put them into a dishwasher because this can cause them to warp out of shape.
Keep in touch!
While a core advantage of wearing clear aligners is that there are fewer dental appointments (as they do not require adjusting or moving), you will still need to stay in touch with your dental team. This can usually be done via the associated app, which you can download onto your smartphone. To remain in touch with your team, all you need to do is take a photo of your smile once a week and send it to your dentist via the app, and they will instruct you on how they believe the realignment process is going.
Keep them safe!
Each set of aligners will come with a carry case for you to place them in when you are out and about; make use of this container! These special cases will keep your aligners safe and free from pressure or temperature changes that can cause them to change shape. Do not simply throw the aligners into your bag or pocket when you aren’t wearing them!
Keep up with hygiene!
As mentioned earlier, you will need to maintain the cleanliness of your aligners by rinsing them under a cold tap. But to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy during the process, you will need to brush your teeth twice a day, floss, use mouthwash and attend checkups with your dentist at least twice a year.
