So, you have finally made up your mind to take the leap with Invisalign Singapore. You have viewed their sleek 3D scans and their transparent aligners and are ready for this perfect smile of yours. However, as any “Invisalign veteran” in Singapore will tell you, this initial adaptation phase of Invisalign involves a very tough learning process for Singaporeans, simply because they live in a “foodie” city and Singaporeans just cannot resist their food.
These are the five important survival lessons that are rarely in the pamphlet but will make your journey much easier for you:
1. The “Hawker Centre” Strategy
Singaporeans love great food, but Invisalign Singapore insists that you wear your trays for a whopping 22 hours a day. This does not exactly make eating “grazing” at a hawker center easy. The trick? You have to become a “strategic eater.”
Rather than having Satay and Ice Kacang, for instance, in a span of an hour, you should try to finish eating the main course and the sweet treat in one sitting. Also, before you leave, you should look for the nearest nursing station or handicapped toilet because, most of the time, there will be private mirrors with sinks, so washing the mouth or disposing of the tray won’t be a public performance in the communal vanity.
2. The Truth About the “Lisp”
Many folks find the lisp a problem when presenting their work in a big setting, like the CBD. Trust me, chances are no one is going to notice. You, on the other hand, will.
The trick in eliminating the “Invisalign lisp” is actually speaking more, not less. Spend your commute reading news articles out loud or singing along with the radio. This will ensure that your tongue can learn how to handle the increased thickness of the trays. After 48 to 72 hours, your speech will go back to normal as your brain commits the “terrain” of your tongue to memory, so to speak.
3. Your “Emergency Kit” is Non-Negotiable
You now cannot step out with only your mobile and wallet. Having a survival kit for people undergoing Invisalign Singapore is imperative. These should include:
- An Aligner Case: Never, ever wrap your trays in a tissue paper during lunch at the food court. Countless trays have ended up in the bin this way.
- Chewies: These small silicon cylinders help “seat” your trays properly, ensuring the force is applied correctly to move your teeth.
- Orthodontic Wax: New trays can sometimes have a slightly sharp edge that irritates your tongue or cheeks; a tiny bit of wax is a lifesaver.
4. Cold Water is Your New Best Friend
Especially in our tropical and humid environment here in Singapore, the thought of a cold Teh Peng or Kopi is quite inviting. But of course, one cannot have hot drinks while carrying the trays inside as this will cause them to warp the plastic trays. Also, sweet or coloured drinks can cause staining to occur. They can cause sugar to stick to your teeth, hence tooth decay.
You should develop the habit of carrying a re-usable water bottle with you at all times. The best thing you can consume when wearing your aligners in Singapore is plain and cold water. If you cannot resist the need for coffee, you should consider drinking it during meal breaks.
5. The “Freshness” Factor
After the end of each week, your trays might begin to smell less fresh. Do not clean the trays with toothpaste, as the rough particles in toothpaste can scratch the surface of the trays, making them appear cloudy and harbor more bacteria.
Instead, you would want to use a light and clear liquid soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. In addition, some locals recommend the use of ultrasonic cleaners or cleaning crystals in removing Invisalign Singapore trays, keeping them “invisible” until the very last day of use.
A Small Price for a Lifelong Smile
While these adjustments might feel like a “chore” at first, they quickly become second nature. The discipline of the 22-hour rule doesn’t just straighten your teeth; many patients find it actually helps them cut down on mindless snacking!
Stay focused on the end goal. A year from now, the minor inconvenience of carrying a toothbrush to Raffles Place will be a distant memory, replaced by the confidence of a perfectly aligned smile.
