Jul
If you have alignment issues with your smile, orthodontics has likely been recommended. While traditional braces work great for some, many patients in Los Angeles, California, are electing for clear aligner therapy, such as Invisalign. Dr. Hee Jee Yoon and the team at Hoover Dental Center have some hacks they would like to share with you if you are considering Invisalign treatment to correct your smile.
You will also be given a case when you receive your first set of aligners. This case should become your best friend. Keep it with you at all times. Carry it in your bag, put it in your pocket, have it in a backpack, and have it with you everywhere! There is no worse situation than getting to a place like a fancy restaurant for a birthday celebration and suddenly realizing you do not have your case with you. You have to wrap your aligners in a napkin, and your waitress accidentally carries it away.
If you do not already have one, you should get a good nail file before starting your Invisalign treatment. While Invisalign’s clear aligners are crafted for comfort, they can sometimes have unexpected sharp spots, which can be very uncomfortable. With your nail file, you can file any spots like this down, so you are good to go. You can do this quickly and easily from home without needing to visit your dentist to get it fixed.
Many who are about to start their Invisalign treatment believe that, once started, they will have to leave lipstick and lip gloss behind. This is not true. There is no reason to let your lips go dry and colorless. It is as simple as finding the right product. Many patients who use Invisalign find that matte lipsticks work great and can help ensure that your lips are set and dry before you can make any movements with your mouth, which could leave marks on your aligner. But don’t worry. Even if you get some on your aligner, it comes off quite easily.
The way Invisalign works is that you will go through a series of aligners, switching to the next in the series after a set period. So, what is the best time to switch to the next aligner? Many might think morning, but it is actually better to switch before you go to bed at night! It is best to start shifting your teeth into position with limited disruption for a period of time. Wearing your new aligner while sleeping allows this. It is better to have your new aligner in for eight hours straight as you sleep than in and out throughout the day.
If you have questions about Invisalign and are in the Los Angeles, CA, area, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Hee Jee Yoon by calling (213) 725-2898.
Monday – Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM