Archery is one of the oldest and most noble sports, in no small part because of its difficulty. You know where you are, and where the arrow needs to be, but the line in between can be difficult to imagine. That is precisely what your dentist has to do when designing your Invisalign treatment. The goal of Invisalign is to take your smile from where it is to where you’d like it to be. Sometimes the line seems clear, but before you realize it you’ve fallen short. If that’s how you feel, don’t worry; there are things you can do to get back on track. Here are four tips to make sure you stay on target when it comes to your Invisalign treatment.
Tip #1: Wear your Invisalign as Much as Possible
Your aligners are powerful, and are more than capable of straightening your teeth, but only if you use them correctly. Most dental professionals recommend wearing your Invisalign for 20-22 hours a day, taking them out only for meals and for cleaning. That can be daunting at first, but it isn’t as challenging as it sounds. Your trays are designed to be as inconspicuous as possible and to fit snugly against your teeth. After a few weeks, you shouldn’t even notice them.
Tip #2: Make Sure Your Teeth Aren’t Colliding
The shape and position of your teeth might make it impossible for them to move past each other causing them to collide. If you’re off-track with your Invisalign treatments, this may be the case for you. Your dentist may need to perform what’s called an interproximal reduction, or IPR. This process involves subtly reshaping your teeth so that it’s easier for them to fall into place.
Tip #3: Do Chewing Exercises
Your aligner is supposed to be tight around your teeth; that tension is what gradually moves them into your preferred position. Whenever you chew, swallow, or clench, your aligners are pressed onto your molars, giving them a nudge in the right direction. Your front teeth, however, do not get the same treatment. Chewing exercises ensure that your aligner is working in every area of your mouth, back and front.
Take the “chewy” (a small foam tube) that your dentist provided you with and place it between your front teeth. Then, gently bite down until your Invisalign clicks into place over your incisors. Hold that position for 3-5 minutes, 3-5 times a day for the best results.
Tip #4: Check If You Need Adjustments
Everyone’s mouth is different. Ultimately, you may have fallen off-track because of factors that aren’t under your control. Some teeth may require extra attention, and you should talk to your provider about whether that’s true for you. If so, it should be possible to make adjustments that can put more pressure on certain areas of your mouth.
There’s no shame in falling behind, but there’s also beauty in trying to hit your target. Talk to your provider about your options and consider the tips in this guide. If you focus, you should be able to hit your mark.
About Our Practice
At Barker, Rohner and Hunt DMD, our team of talented dentists provides their patients with cutting-edge orthodontic care. Dr. Barker has personally trained Dr. Hunt and Dr. Rohner, and they share a strong working relationship that shows in the quality of their work. If you have any questions about your Invisalign treatment, we can be reached at our website, or by phone at (919) 847-7100.
