With the widespread use of this clear, plastic, tray-based teeth straightening system, you are probably able to point out quite quickly the large number of benefits associated with this modern orthodontic treatment. But do you know that there are a number of things that you can do to help the process along and accelerate the results you are after? Here are a few guidelines our Invisalign dentist in Welwyn at Neel Dentistry would like you to bear in mind.

Top tips from an Invisalign dentist in Welwyn

Always, always, always follow the instructions given by our Invisalign dentist in Welwyn.  We cannot stress enough the importance of this point. We have seen with dismay how a treatment plan can be adversely affected when patients fail to follow exactly what we tell them to do. Your treatment may be delayed for longer than you would like or you may not achieve the result you want.

Our golden rule number one is to wear the trays in your mouth for a minimum of 20 hours a day (some patients may be able to extend this to 22 hours). For some being allowed to remove the trays may feel like a wonderful reprieve, but this is only restricted to certain times during the day – mainly to eat or to clean teeth. At all other times the trays must be worn in order to achieve the result you are after successfully.

It must also be noted that any initial challenges a patient may experience (slight changes in speech or adjustments to eating) will wear away more quickly the more time you wear the trays.

Keep to the schedule

When you receive your set of custom-made Invisalign trays, you will be provided with a treatment plan schedule detailing the frequency and intervals of the changing of the trays.

Be scrupulous about your oral hygiene practice at home

While we applaud patients who look to treatments to straighten their teeth, this should not replace the oral hygiene practice implemented at home. In fact, to safeguard the efficacy of orthodontic treatment, patients need to observe closely golden rule number 2 – step up your oral hygiene practice. This will ensure your mouth is as free of harmful bacteria and plaque build-up as possible. An effective oral hygiene practice is a must before, during and after treatment. It is a good idea to set up a reminder system to help you stick to the schedule.

Clean trays as we recommend

Golden rule number three pertains to the hygiene maintenance of the trays. Should a patient not clean their trays as per our instructions, they may run the risk of damaging the trays which would only delay the entire process. We will recommend suitable products to ensure the trays are kept sterile and clean. When not in use it is imperative that the trays are safely stored away in an appropriate container.

While you won’t be required to visit us as often as patients on traditional orthodontic treatments, you can make an appointment at our Neel Dentistry practice to have any concerns addressed.