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The key to a successful Invisalign® journey is consistency. As with any new habit, cultivating and maintaining the discipline to wear your aligners consistently is something you can learn to do. The good news is that the more diligent you are about your Invisalign® routine, the sooner you can enjoy the results: a beautiful, straight smile from Invisalign® provided by Dr. Brad Sievert at Westlake Family Dentistry.
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind during your Invisalign journey.
The Invisalign® system consists of a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually move your teeth to straighter positions. Like traditional braces, Invisalign® clear aligners use consistent and gentle force to realign your teeth. However, unlike traditional metal braces with fixed brackets and wires, Invisalign® aligners are removable.
To do their job, Invisalign® clear aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours daily. The only time your aligners should be removed is for enjoying your meals and taking care of your oral hygiene. If needed, you can also remove the aligners for special occasions, such as giving a speech at work or school. However, keep in mind that even occasional slip-ups in your consistency with wearing the aligners can slow your progress or make the results less effective.
Dr. Sievert will give you a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. It’s important to stay on schedule so your treatment progresses as planned. Following the prescribed sequence is necessary to get your alignment where you and Dr. Sievert want it to be. To stay on top of this, set calendar reminders on an app or your phone.
One of the best things about Invisalign® clear aligners is that they’re removable. This means you can take better care of your teeth and gums, which is more challenging with traditional metal braces. Be sure to remove your aligners before you eat or drink anything besides water. Your aligners will need to be cleaned at least once a day. Just as before you got your Invisalign® aligners, keep brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing before bed.
Invisalign® Teen aligners come with a blue compliance indicator. It fades gradually over time when the aligners are worn correctly. This gives teens, their parents, and Dr. Sievert a visual cue as to how consistently the aligners are being worn. This added accountability motivates younger patients to follow through with wearing their aligners as prescribed.
Checking in regularly with Dr. Sievert will help you stay on track with your progress. Your checkups will allow him to make any needed adjustments, and they are your chance to ask questions and address any concerns you have.
As a trusted Invisalign® provider in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Dr. Brad Sievert and the team at Westlake Family Dentistry are here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. A consultation with Dr. Sievert can help determine if Invisalign® is right for you. Call (503) 636-4576 to take the first step to a winning smile.
Dr. Brad Sievert holds a zoology degree from Oregon State University and a DMD from Oregon Health Sciences University. He is passionate about continuing education and regularly attends cosmetic, complex restorative, dental sleep medicine, Invisalign, and implant dentistry courses. He has had post-doctoral training at the prestigious KOIS Center in Seattle and the Los Angeles Institute of Clinical Dentistry. Dr. Sievert is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He is also certified in laser dentistry and as a Healthy Start Provider.