It is always a delight when we see patients’ faces light up when they’re told they are suitable for Invisalign in Chelsea to straighten their teeth. Invisalign in Chelsea makes the teeth-straightening process convenient and comfortable. This system, which relies on tray-based braces, is a modern, forward-thinking and customised approach to straightening teeth.
What our friendly dentists at Chelsea and Fulham Dentist would like patients on this orthodontic treatment plan to know is that, while the aligner trays remove difficulties such as restricted diets and challenging oral hygiene routines, there are a few guidelines to observe with Invisalign in Chelsea.
What to know about Invisalign
On the whole, patients on this type of treatment will not need to be overly concerned about avoiding certain types of foods as patients will remove the trays before eating and drinking. Yes, it is always best to aim for a dental-friendly diet, which involves consuming a healthy array of foods covering all food groups.
The caution comes in reference to how often a patient eats and not what they actually eat. Invisalign trays are only allowed out of the mouth for a limited time each day and for very specific reasons: eating and cleaning the mouth. Patients have between two and four hours a day to have their meals and brush their teeth. This means that mealtimes have to be planned; no snacks or drinks, other than water, throughout the day.
Trays need to be stored safely. Patients often fail to realise how easy it can be to lose aligner trays made of clear plastic material. To avoid trays getting lost or damaged, patients must use the dedicated storage cases to store them in when not being worn. As an added precaution, it is a good practice to always keep a spare case in the bag or the car.
Proper oral hygiene is non-negotiable. Maintaining good oral hygiene is part and parcel of the teeth straightening process. The complication with gums can derail the process and add further dental care treatment costs.
Along with a meticulous at-home oral hygiene routine, patients need to also keep the aligner trays clean and sterile as bacteria and germs can accumulate in them and be transferred onto clean teeth and gums. Cleaning trays are as simple as placing them in a specially-formulated aligner cleansing solution. It is not suggested that patients use ordinary toothpaste or mouthwash products to clean aligners as these may damage them.
For Invisalign patients, consistency is key to the success of their treatment as is following all the guidelines advised during consultation. It is only logical that the aligners need to be placed on teeth for them to do the job they were designed for. Some patients fall into temptation and forget to put them back on after eating or drinking. Failing to comply with wearing the aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day will only delay the results patients are looking for.
While Invisalign is one of the simplest orthodontic tools to use in the market today, there are factors that contribute to a successful treatment, many of which lie within the patient’s control. We would be glad to answer all your questions and concerns, so please feel free to reach out to us at Chelsea and Fulham Dentist to schedule an appointment.
