At Carvalho & Roth Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide high-quality orthodontic treatments to patients throughout Marlborough, Newton Centre, Northborough, and the surrounding areas. Invisalign is one of our most popular treatments, and with good reason: it’s an extremely convenient, virtually invisible option for straightening your teeth. If you’re considering revitalizing your smile with Invisalign, we’re excited for you – but there are a few things you should know before starting treatment.
Top 10 Things to Know About Invisalign
Invisalign is a remarkably convenient option for achieving a new smile, but it’s important to be prepared before starting treatment. Here are the most important things to know before starting Invisalign treatment:
- 20 Hours a Day Is a Minimum: Critically, Invisalign will only work when the aligners are on your teeth. The fewer hours per day you wear them, the slower your treatment will go – simple as that.
- Oral Hygiene Is Key: With Invisalign, it’s possible for food to get trapped between the aligners and the teeth. This can cause severe dental decay very quickly. This means that it’s absolutely critical to brush your teeth after ANY food consumption – even a small snack or a sip of coffee.
- You’ll Drink More Water: Because you have to brush your teeth after drinking things like coffee and red wine, most patients find these indulgences far less enticing. Prepare to drink a lot of water during Invisalign treatment!
- An Unexpected Diet: That said, this comes with an upside. Many Invisalign patients find it easy to cut down on snacking while wearing Invisalign, simply because brushing their teeth afterward is too much of a hassle!
- Expect an Adjustment Period: Most patients will notice a slight lisp or change in speech for the first week or so after starting treatment. Don’t worry, though – this is normal and will fade shortly.
- Say Goodbye to Scratches: As an extra benefit of Invisalign, the smooth aligners won’t cut and scratch the inside of your mouth as much as braces will.
- Carry a Kit: Making a small oral hygiene kit is a great way to make the process of caring for your teeth more convenient. Include a small toothbrush, a travel-size toothpaste, an interdental brush, and some floss, along with anything else you need to clean your teeth, and carry it with you everywhere you go.
- Don’t Use Toothpaste on Aligners: You should use toothpaste to clean your teeth, but never your aligners. Toothpaste is too abrasive and will scratch them. Instead, simply brush them with a toothbrush and water.
- You’ll Be Confident in Your Smile: It really is true that Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible! You’ll never have to worry about showing off your smile in pictures or at social events.
- It’ll Be Worth It in the End: Even though treatment presents some inconveniences, it’ll all seem small in hindsight. A new smile can have a profound effect on your life – and with Invisalign, it’s never been easier to get one.
Schedule a Consultation for Invisalign Treatment in Northborough, MA
Truly, Invisalign is one of the most convenient options for achieving a beautiful, brand new smile – and if you’re ready to get started, we’d love to help. Schedule a consultation at one of our offices today to find out how Invisalign can help you achieve a new smile. We can’t wait to hear from you and help you revitalize your smile!