Undergoing Invisalign® treatment can be exciting. This treatment will improve your dental health but also your well-being. Read on to learn about the importance of an uninterrupted treatment routine. Patients need to adhere to the treatment guidelines and ensure that the routine goes undisrupted.
The importance of uninterrupted Invisalign treatment
By opting for Invisalign, the patient is committing to orthodontic treatment for the next 12 months, if not longer. While it may feel liberating not to deal with semi-permanent brackets and wires, this treatment still demands a sense of commitment. Patients must wear the clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, every day. Patients must stick to their personalized treatment plan and replace the aligners as directed to guarantee that the teeth move into alignment as planned by the dentist.
Guidelines for eating
One of the most appealing aspects of Invisalign is the ability to eat anything. Since the transparent aligners are detachable, there are no dietary limitations. Invisalign, on the other hand, must be removed when eating. There are no exclusions. Chewing with the aligners can break them, and any foods or beverages will permanently stain the material, reducing their transparency and aesthetic appeal. Losing or breaking the aligners often necessitates a replacement, which may interrupt the treatment.
Cleaning the aligners is important
Patients need to clean the aligners regularly according to the dentist’s instructions to keep them transparent, but there is another reason to do so: to prevent cavities. Invisalign is custom-made to fit over the teeth. There is a high risk of getting a cavity if germs or food particles get trapped between the aligners and the teeth. Maintaining proper oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing is also important to prevent food residues and germs from settling in. Developing oral issues during Invisalign therapy will disrupt the routine since patients must undergo treatment.
The consequences of breaking the Invisalign therapy routine
The dentist will understand if patients need to temporarily pause wearing their Invisalign trays due to a family or professional issue. In any case, they may be able to resume treatment from where they stopped. Before starting Invisalign, patients need to remember that getting back into Invisalign may not be as easy as simply starting over due to the hiatus.
The chances are that the teeth have relapsed. When patients have not worn their aligners in a while, and they no longer fit, the teeth may have moved back to their previous positions. In this scenario, they will have to start from the beginning with the first aligner.
Some patients may be lucky to have a minimal relapse. This means they will be able to resume where they left off. However, there are a few issues that must be resolved. Invisalign manufacturers estimate that treatment will take between 12 to 24 months. If the treatment routine is disrupted and patients later return to resume the Invisalign treatment, this timeframe will still apply.
In conclusion
Unexpected events happen all the time. If you have been off Invisalign therapy for a while, you can still get back to it, preferably as soon as possible. If you have any further questions, contact your dentist.
Request an appointment or call Potomac Woods Family Dental Care at 301-202-1553 for an appointment in our Rockville office.
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