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It’s been a difficult year of learning to navigate many new normals, and there have been times when self-care has had to go on the back burner. But things are beginning to look up at last! If you found yourself putting orthodontic treatment off throughout 2020, there’s never been a better time to make it a priority. Continue reading to learn more about staying safe and healthy with Invisalign during COVID-19!
You deserve a beautifully healthy smile and Selden Orthodontics is here to help you achieve that! We offer patients of all ages, a range of affordable treatment options, including Invisalign clear aligners. This innovative system is our most popular alternative to braces—and with good reason.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages Invisalign has had during the pandemic, and why clear aligners could be just what you’re looking for in 2021!
Clear aligners are convenient and easy to use
While braces and aligners look quite different from each other, they work similarly to straighten smiles. Both methods use an orthodontic appliance to put gentle pressure on the teeth. Over time, this moves them into the desired positions.
Unlike braces, which are a fixed appliance, aligners are a removable appliance. That means you’ll need to wear them for 20-22 hours every day in order for them to do their job properly. You’ll also be responsible for switching each aligner out for the next one in the series every 1-2 weeks, which allows them to keep up with the movement of the teeth. When you stick to these guidelines, aligners can work just as well as braces at correcting many common orthodontic issues.
Our team will normally provide patients with several weeks’ worth of aligners at a time. This has been really beneficial during these unusual times of stay-at-home orders and social distancing! If you run out of aligners before your next appointment, we’re happy to arrange curbside pick-up for the next set so you don’t need to physically enter the office. If you have any questions, you can also set up a virtual appointment with Dr. Selden to discuss your concerns. Having options like these available means every patient can continue their treatment process safely and conveniently!
Clear aligners are easy to care for
Experts have been telling us for a year now to keep our hands away from our face and mouth to help limit the spread of germs, but Invisalign patients can’t avoid touching their mouth multiple times a day. That means it’s more important than ever to practice good basic hygiene!
Invisalign makes it easy to keep your oral health in check and your aligners clean and intact. The clear aligners are designed to be removed prior to eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth. Before you remove your aligner, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to pay special attention to your fingernails and fingertips since these come into the closest contact with your mouth and aligners.
Remember that washing your hands is the first line of defense against germs and infection! This CDC video will show you how to properly wash your hands quickly and efficiently. Even if you aren’t able to wash with soap and water for any reason, sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used in a pinch. At this concentration, sanitizer is able to kill most germs and bacteria on your hands.
Taking care of your aligners is an important part of the treatment process. When you remove an aligner, you should always place it in a sealed container or leave it soaking in an approved cleaning solution. This protects your aligners from germs and also prevents you from accidentally throwing them away (which happens more often than you might think!) Once you’re done eating or your teeth are brushed and flossed, wash your hands again and rinse your aligner well before putting it back in your mouth.
This routine may sound like a lot of steps at first, but it will become second nature before you know it. Being careful with your oral health and aligners in this way will also help to protect your total body health, too!
Clear aligners are comfortable to wear
After a year of staying home in sweats and pajamas, comfort ranks pretty high on our list of must-haves. Good thing Invisalign has got that locked down! Every clear aligner is made of a smooth thermoplastic material that’s custom-designed to fit firmly over your teeth. With no sharp or protruding edges to rub against your cheeks or gums, your aligners will take very little getting used to and provide a pain-free treatment process from start to finish.
Aligners are also less likely to result in an orthodontic emergency, since there are no brackets or wires to potentially bend or break. That being said, they can still be lost or damaged if they’re not handled properly. If this happens, you should let us know as soon as possible so Dr. Selden can advise you on the next steps to take. Some damaged aligners can still be worn until it’s time for the next in the series but we may need to make a replacement, so it’s important to check in with our team if you have any issues with an aligner!
Get the smile you deserve in 2021 with Invisalign and Selden Orthodontics
We may not be completely clear of COVID-19 just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the first steps toward a healthier smile with Invisalign! This exciting system makes it easier than ever to improve your oral health safely and efficiently. Want to find out if you could be a good fit for clear aligners? Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Selden!
