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Invisalign is a popular and effective alternative to traditional braces. However, like any orthodontic treatment, you may experience some discomfort and pain as your teeth shift into their new positions. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to relieve Invisalign pain and keep your treatment on track. Here are some helpful tips from  Dr.Chris Teeters, and Dr. Larry Davis at Affiliated Orthodontics.

 

1. Follow the Recommended Switch Schedule

Invisalign aligners are designed to incrementally move your teeth into their optimal positions. It’s important to stick to this schedule to avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort. You can make the switch to your new aligners right before bed to let the worst of the pain happen overnight. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever before bed to help you sleep comfortably.

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If you or your child is considering orthodontic treatment, it’s important to ask questions. We know that this can be an overwhelming process. You want to know what to expect, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. The best way to get this information is by speaking with your orthodontist directly. Below are some of the most popular questions we hear from our patient’s parents, with insights from Dr.Chris Teeters, and Dr. Larry Davis at Affiliated Orthodontics.

 

How do I take care of my appliances and my teeth?

The most important thing you can do to ensure your orthodontic treatment is successful is to take good care of your appliances and teeth. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, using a fluoride rinse, avoiding chewing on the wires or brackets, and avoiding biting cold foods.

• Brush and floss daily. You should brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using a gentle circular motion while applying light pressure (enough to feel the bristles on the gums). You should also floss daily using an interdental cleaner. Flossing removes plaque from between your teeth that cannot be reached by brushing alone.
• Use fluoride rinse if one is recommended by the dentist or orthodontist during treatment (you can find out more about this in our article about how dental health impacts overall health). Fluoride rinse helps prevent cavities by making it harder for plaque bacteria to stick to your teeth; this means that it takes longer for these harmful substances to develop into plaque buildup, which protects against tooth decay as well as gum disease like gingivitis or periodontal disease later on in life!

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You may take vitamins daily for energy or a better immune system. But, vitamins are good for more than keeping your energy up or gut health, they are integral to good oral health as well. Vitamins are a great and super easy preventative measure for common oral health issues. Improving your mouth’s health every day with vitamins is a proactive way to ensure a pain-free healthy dental experience. Dr.Chris Teeters, and Dr. Larry Davis at Affiliated Orthodontics recommend these vitamins for tooth health and to strengthen your enamel and promote jaw health. 

 

5 Daily Vitamins for Your Teeth: 

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K

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Sugar, acid, and foods that stay in your mouth for longer than necessary are all guilty of worsening your oral health. From dissolving enamel and  promoting negative bacteria growth to downright decay, there are some foods you should be sure to moderate or take out of your diet altogether. Keep reading to learn more from Dr.Chris Teeters, and Dr. Larry Davis at Affiliated Orthodontics about which foods pose a threat to your dental health.

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Traveling is already stressful, so we don’t want caring for your Invisalign to make it even worse. The good news is that there are a few small changes to your packing routine that can alleviate Invisalign- related stress taking away from your vacation. When you’re in a new place, far from your orthodontist’s office, it’s easy to remove your aligners and leave them behind. Here are some tips from Dr.Chris Teeters, and Dr. Larry Davis at Affiliated Orthodontics for traveling with your Invisalign, to make sure you don’t have to take time out of your vacation for an orthodontic emergency!

 

What if I Lose my Invisalign while Traveling?

When traveling for longer periods of time, always take your previous set of aligners, your current set, and your next set of aligners with you. Whether you will go back to the previous set or move forward to the next set if your aligners get lost will be determined by how long you have been wearing your current set. The general rule of thumb is if the current aligners are tight, go back.  If you can remove them easily and are in your second week, move forward to the next set. 

If you are going to be out of town for more than two weeks, we can order replacement aligners and ship them to you. Continue wearing your previous set until they arrive and start again with the new set.

When you’re traveling by plane, be careful to keep aligners with you I your carry-on. Leaving them in checked bags is a good way for them to be lost or delayed. If you’re concerned about losing your aligners, bringing an extra case is always a good idea. If you leave one behind in a hotel or restaurant, you’ll have a spare.

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To ensure your teeth and mouth are healthy, you should visit a dentist at least once every six months, just like you have a health check with your general practitioner every year. In most dental checkups, your dentist will do a thorough checkup on your teeth and gums, followed by a dental cleaning.

 

What Happens at a Check-up?

A dental checkup is an important part of maintaining good oral health. During a checkup, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of problems. They will also check for any cavities or tooth decay. If you have any concerns, the dentist will discuss them with you and answer any questions you may have. They may also recommend that you schedule an appointment for a teeth cleaning.

A teeth cleaning is a procedure that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. It is important to have your teeth cleaned regularly to prevent cavities and oral health problems. X-rays may be taken to detect cavities between your teeth. They will also examine your tongue, throat, face, and neck. This will be to look for signs of redness, swelling, or possible signs of cancer.

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