You’re considering Invisalign for you or your teen. Good choice! It is an effective, fast way to get the straight teeth you’ve always wanted without bulky metal brackets and wires, but you may have concerns. After all, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth for treatment. For best results, Invisalign clear aligner trays should be worn for 20 to 22 hours every day, meaning that you need to remember to put the aligners back in after eating. Are you worried that you or your teen might forget? Also, the aligners are clear and can be difficult to spot if you misplace or lose them. At all costs, you want to avoid needing to dumpster dive to find your clear trays! How can you avoid all this from happening? Check out these 5 tips for keeping you or your teen on track with Invisalign in Canfield.
Realize the Importance of Wearing the Trays
Before starting Invisalign, you or your teen should be aware of the importance of wearing the clear aligners as directed. If you deviate from instructions and don’t wear the trays, straightening your teeth will take much longer and likely cost more than you originally thought. The trays will only work when you wear them, so make sure you understand your responsibility and follow through.
Put the Aligners in the Case
When you eat, always put the aligners in the case. You should always carry it with you, so you have it handy if necessary. That way, your aligners will be less likely to be accidentally thrown away or lost.
Set Reminders on Your Phone
If you or your teen follows the same routine day in and day out, you could benefit from having a scheduled reminder on your phone. For example, if you eat lunch at the same time every day, create a reminder to put your clear aligners back in for the time when you typically finish eating. Over time, you may not need the phone to help you remember, but it’s there for those times when you do forget!
Ask a Friend
If you or your teen needs help remembering to wear the trays, feel free to ask for additional help from friends or family members. Sometimes a gentle nudge from someone you trust is all you need to get back on track.
Put Reminder Notes Where You’ll See Them
Whether it’s on your bathroom mirror or in your teen’s locker at school, a little note can make a big difference. Place the notes where you’ll see them, and consider using bright colors, so your eye is drawn to it.
As you continue to wear your Invisalign clear aligners, you’ll notice how your smile changes for the better. Any minor inconveniences are worth the time and effort to get the amazing results Invisalign can give you. By implementing these tips into your life, you’ll be less likely to lose your aligners and cause problems or delays in your orthodontic treatment. For more information about Invisalign, contact your orthodontist in Canfield today!
About the Author
Having had orthodontic treatment when she was a teen, Dr. Marissa Mikolich decided early on in life that she wanted to help patients experience the same confidence boost she did from having a straight smile. With years of experience and training under her belt, she provides comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. To contact her for an appointment, you can call (330) 967-4110 or click here.