There is often an adjustment period for patients after they start wearing their Invisalign® aligners. It is important to follow the advice of a general dentist when adjusting to the new aligners to ensure the process goes smoothly and the patient becomes comfortable with them as soon as possible.
There are certain things every Invisalign® patient can do to reduce the time it takes to get used to wearing the aligners. Although every patient should find what works best for them, the following are four effective tips from a general dentist to implement while adjusting to a new life with Invisalign®.
First and most importantly, patients must wear their aligners as directed by the general dentist. Most dental professionals recommend wearing the Invisalign® aligners between at least 20 to 22 hours each day. Patients will most likely have a natural urge to take them out just for a moment when they first start wearing them and experience an awkward feeling or discomfort. However, it is very important to leave them in to ensure they work properly and the patient is able to adjust as quickly as possible.
One of the first things patients often notice when they start wearing their new Invisalign® aligners is that they have a lisp while talking. If this occurs, remember to not panic as it is temporary and patients get used to talking normally with the aligners rather quickly. To speed up the adjustment process, it is encouraged to have a conversation with someone after first putting them in. This allows them to get the awkward phase out of the way and to get comfortable speaking.
The discomfort with Invisalign® is typically tolerable, but there will be some discomfort and potential numbness that exists during the adjustment process. The general dentist may provide instructions on how to deal with and minimize the discomfort, and it is important to follow the instructions they give. If they do not provide instructions, then taking over-the-counter pain reliever as directed can help, along with using a cold compress to relieve the discomfort of the jaw.
For the first week, there will likely be discomfort. Another useful way to make the adjustment easier is to eat a diet of soft foods, such as oatmeal, scrambled eggs, yogurt and soup. Excessive chewing of hard foods may lead to increased discomfort. It is also encouraged to avoid foods that increase the risk of teeth stains during treatment. Patients should also consider substituting coffee and tea for water as much as possible.
To learn more about Invisalign® treatment, reach out to our office today to schedule a time for a first visit. General dentists can discuss all available treatment options and help patients make an appropriate decision. We believe everyone deserves a smile they love, and it is our goal to guide patients through the entire Invisalign® process.
Request an appointment here: https://www.newyorkdentaloffice.com or call New York Dental Office at (212) 548-3261 for an appointment in our New York office.
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