Summer has officially arrived! You’re probably already busy making plans to hang out by the pool, invite friends over for a backyard BBQ, and…fix your smile? Orthodontic treatment probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when the summer months roll around, but this is actually the perfect time to begin your smile journey with Invisalign! We’ll explore some of the top reasons for this below, so keep reading to learn more.
More flexibility in your schedule
With kids out of school for the summer, most work schedules have some additional flexibility. This makes it much easier to set aside time for your complimentary consultation and the first couple of check-up visits! The Invisalign process begins with an evaluation by Dr. Lindsey or Dr. Leo to determine if you’re a good fit for clear aligners. If you decide to move forward with the Invisalign system, you’ll be scheduled for follow-up appointments every 10-12 weeks or so. Beginning orthodontic treatment earlier in the summer means you’ll have plenty of time to adjust to this new routine before things get hectic again in the fall.
An easier period of adjustment
One of the things we love most about Invisalign is how simple but effective the system is. But even though clear aligners are easy to wear, it will take some time for your mouth to get used to them. You won’t have to worry about brackets or wires, but the aligners are still used to create the kind of pressure that will move your teeth into the desired positions. This can cause some mild discomfort at first, but you’ll adapt to it relatively quickly! You’ll also need some time to get used to putting your aligners in and taking them out again with ease and becoming comfortable speaking while you’re wearing them.
The key is consistency! The more you wear your aligners, the faster you’ll get used to them. That’s good news because you’ll need to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours each day throughout treatment for them to be successful. You’ll also be responsible for replacing each aligner for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movements your teeth are making. If these guidelines aren’t followed, it can extend the total treatment time or lead to subpar results. Getting started with Invisalign while your schedule is more relaxed will give you extra time to adjust to having an aligner in so many hours each day.
Additional time for your oral hygiene routine
A solid oral hygiene routine can be one of the first casualties of late-night studying and early mornings where everyone is rushing to get out the door. While we should all be taking good care of our teeth and gums, it’s especially important for orthodontic patients. Our doctors can straighten your teeth, but they can’t keep them clean! That part is up to you, and thankfully, Invisalign makes it easy to maintain a good dental hygiene routine.
Since the clear aligners are removable, you simply take them out before brushing and flossing as you normally would. We recommend brushing after every meal for two minutes each time and flossing each night before bed. If you aren’t able to brush before putting your aligner back in, you can still rinse your mouth with water a few times to wash some of the debris away. You’ll also want to rinse your aligner before putting it back in. This helps remove food particles that can get trapped between your teeth and the aligner, making it easier for bacteria to flourish and cause tooth decay.
Taking good care of your teeth and gums throughout the treatment process will help prevent cavities and ensure the best results. With no hectic mornings and a break from homework, you’ll find it easier than ever to give your smile the TLC it deserves.
Enjoy all your favorite summer snacks
Food restrictions can be one of the hardest parts of being a braces patient. Since crunchy and sticky foods can break brackets and warp wires, they need to be avoided until treatment is complete. Even though the end results are worth it, it can be frustrating to give up some of your favorite treats, but you won’t have to worry about this as an Invisalign patient! Because the aligners are designed to be removed before eating, you can still enjoy all the summer snacks you love, from BBQ and burgers to fruit salad and fresh corn on the cob.
You’ll love your tagged photos
Between family vacations and hanging out with friends, summer is all about making memories that last. What better way to capture these magical moments than snapping a picture? Since Invisalign aligners are almost invisible, you can smile confidently even while wearing them and enjoy all the photos you’re tagged in!
See improvements in a short time
While Invisalign can be faster than treatment with traditional braces, your teeth will still need to be moved gradually in order for the results to last. You’ll still see improvements in a relatively short time, however! Starting your journey towards straighter teeth now means you could notice slight differences in your smile by the time school starts back, giving you an extra boost of confidence. And because Invisalign aligners are clear, no one will even have to know you’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment!
Trust your teeth to the Invisalign experts at Koerich Orthodontics
As you can see, there are many benefits to beginning your smile journey in the summer months! You’ll enjoy the experience even more by choosing a trusted practice like ours. Dr. Leo and Dr. Lindsey Koerich are talented orthodontic providers with many years of experience using clear aligners to create beautiful smiles. If you’d like to learn more about how Invisalign can transform your smile this summer, contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation in our Indian Trail office!