Invisalign Pre-Visit Instructions
How to Prepare for Your Clear Aligner Scan Appointment
Planning for your Invisalign clear aligner journey starts before you even receive your first aligners. These pre-visit instructions are designed to help you prepare for your Invisalign clear aligner scan appointment, setting the stage for a smooth and successful experience.
Eating and Drinking
- Normal Meals: Eat breakfast and lunch as you normally would before your appointment. No special diet is required.
- Avoid Staining Foods: Before your appointment, consider avoiding foods and drinks that may stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, or berries.
Medications and Health Updates
- Take Regular Medications: Continue any regular medications as prescribed unless advised otherwise by your dentist or doctor.
- Notify of Health Changes: If you’ve experienced any recent changes in your health or medication regimen, please inform our team. This ensures we can adjust your care as necessary.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Invisalign Patients
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial with Invisalign to prevent plaque buildup, staining, and decay.
Cleaning Your Aligners
- Rinse and Brush: Rinse your aligners under cold water and use a separate, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean them.
- Avoid Hot Water: Do not rinse with hot water, as this can warp the aligners.
- Use Ultrasonic Cleaner: For a deep clean, consider using an ultrasonic cleaner with a denture-cleaning solution.
Brushing and Flossing
- Brush After Meals: Whenever possible, brush your teeth after eating to prevent food particles from being trapped under your aligners.
- Use Mouthwash or Rinse: When brushing isn’t possible, rinse with water or mouthwash.
- Consider Upgrading to an Electric Toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes, such as the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100, provide a more thorough clean.
Flossing and Water Flossers
- Floss Daily: Use regular floss, floss picks, or interdental brushes daily to remove plaque.
- Use a Water Flosser: A Waterpik can effectively remove debris between teeth, which is especially helpful with Invisalign.
What to Wear to Your Invisalign Appointment
For a comfortable and hassle-free visit, follow these clothing and accessory tips:
- Wear Comfortable, Loose-Fitting Clothes: Opt for an open-collared shirt and avoid light or white tops to prevent any visible stains.
- Minimal Makeup: We recommend wearing little or no makeup, as the scan may require adjustments or cause smudging.
- Avoid High Heels: Choose flat, comfortable shoes for stability during the appointment.
- No Colored or Gel Nail Polish: These may interfere with the scan process.
- Remove Jewelry and Contact Lenses: For accuracy, remove all jewelry, especially piercings on your lips, tongue, or nose, and avoid wearing contact lenses.
Review Post-Visit Instructions
Preparing for your Invisalign treatment doesn’t end at the scan. Familiarizing yourself with our post-visit instructions can help you plan for the first few days with your aligners, including:
- Aligner Care and Cleaning: Keep aligners clean by rinsing and brushing them with a designated toothbrush.
- Oral Hygiene Routine: Continue a strong oral hygiene regimen, including regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use.
- Tracking Your Progress: Learn how to monitor aligner fit and tracking to ensure your treatment stays on course.
Have Questions?
Your Invisalign journey to a beautiful smile starts here! If you have additional questions about aligner care or if you’re interested in starting treatment, contact us at Atlas Dental. We’re here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
