5 Helpful Tips to Prepare You for Invisalign Treatment

If you’ve recently spoken with your dentist about receiving Invisalign, you’re probably looking forward to getting started! After all, when it comes to correcting crooked teeth and giving patients beautifully straighter smiles, the clear aligners are tough to beat. However, you might be wondering if there’s anything you can do in preparation for your treatment. The answer is yes! Here are five tips to get you ready for your Invisalign treatment so that you can achieve the smile you’ve always desired without any setbacks.

Tip #1: Cut Back on the Snacks

The golden rule of Invisalign is that you’re supposed to wear your aligners for 22 hours every day. And since you also can’t eat while you’re wearing them, constantly snacking means that you’ll constantly have to remove them! It’s best to try and break your snacking habits before starting treatment, to make the adjustment to wearing your trays easier. Focus on eating three solid meals every day with plenty of vitamins and nutrients.

Tip #2: Brush After Every Meal

Brushing your teeth after every meal is extra important throughout your Invisalign treatment and eating three square meals every day and eliminating snacking makes this much easier. It’s crucial that your teeth remain clean while you’re wearing your trays, as they’re still quite vulnerable to cavities and other problems. Brush your teeth after every meal to keep your teeth as clean as possible.

Tip #3: Stock Up on the Essentials

Your dentist will provide you with your Invisalign trays and their accompanying cases, but there are a few other useful items you should consider acquiring. Pul Tools and OrthoKeys are widely available through retailers like Amazon and can assist you with gently removing your aligners. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol can also be useful for managing minor pain. You might also consider using toothpaste designed for extra-sensitive teeth if adjusting to wearing your trays is challenging.

Tip #4: Prepare a Travel Dental Kit

It never hurts to be prepared! Having a small, travel-sized dental kit that you can take everywhere with you can ensure that your treatment is successful, no matter where you are. This doesn’t need to be anything fancy or expensive, but at least include a toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, your Pul Tool, and anything else essential.

Tip #5: Figure Out the Financials

Invisalign is an investment; you’re paying for a better-looking smile with enhanced functionality and the accompanying confidence that perfect teeth provide. That said, be sure to figure out the financial implications of your treatment before heading to your dentist’s office; it’ll be one less headache that you’ll have to deal with afterwards. Many insurance plans and some dentists offer flexibility when it comes to paying for treatment options like Invisalign.

If you’re hoping to go into the Invisalign process with as much knowledge and preparation as possible, these five tips are certain to help you out. That said, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist if you have any other questions about the aligners.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Gaches received his dental doctorate from the University of Southern California and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Oklahoma Dental Association, and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. His practice is proud to offer a wide range of available services, including Invisalign. If you’re interested in receiving Invisalign to correct your crooked smile, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Gaches online or over the phone (918) 928-2383 to get the process started.