Tips for a Successful Invisalign Treatment

1 Nov 2021 DENTAL

To get the most out of your Invisalign Clear Aligners and ensure that they are comfortable to wear, Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery has some tips for you!

How can I get the most out of wearing Invisalign Clear Aligners?

If you have decided that Invisalign Clear Aligners are the right orthodontic treatment option for you, it is important to understand how to wear and care for them effectively. Here are some tips from Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery to help you get the most out of your Invisalign Clear Aligners:

 

1. Keep Them Clean

It’s also important to remember to brush your teeth and clean your Invisalign aligners before putting them back in your mouth after eating or drinking. This will help to prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque on your teeth and aligners, which can cause bad breath and increase your risk of tooth decay. To clean your aligners, simply brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water, or use the cleaning solution provided by your orthodontist. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating or drinking anything except water while wearing your aligners, as this can help to keep them clean and prevent staining.

 

2. Track Your Schedule for Switching Times

Remember to switch to a new set of Invisalign Clear Aligners every 7 days (or as directed by your orthodontist) to ensure that your teeth are moving as planned and your treatment is progressing. To help you remember, try setting a reminder in your calendar or on your phone, or use an app provided by your clear aligner brand to track your treatment. It’s important to follow this schedule to make sure your treatment is successful.

 

3. Store Your Invisalign Clear Aligners Properly

It’s important to properly store your Invisalign Clear Aligners when you are not wearing them to ensure that they stay clean and undamaged. One option is to use a plastic storage case that you can easily carry with you, such as one that fits in your pocket. This will help keep your aligners clean and prevent them from becoming dirty or damaged, as well as help keep your teeth clean when you replace them. When you remove your aligners to eat, brush or floss, or participate in sports, be sure to put them in a secure location. If you accidentally leave them out, make sure to thoroughly clean them and soak them in solution before reintroducing them to your mouth.

4. Give Your Teeth Time to Adjust

When using Invisalign Clear Aligners to straighten your teeth, you can expect a slight period of adjustment when transitioning to a new set of aligners. While some discomfort is normal, your mouth will eventually become accustomed to the aligners. If you experience excessive discomfort, consult with your orthodontist or dentist for advice on how to manage it. It may also be helpful to have dental wax on hand to protect your cheeks and gums from irritation. As you progress through your treatment, your teeth will gradually shift into the desired position.

5. Use a Whitening Toothpaste

It’s true that Invisalign aligners can help to enhance the effectiveness of teeth whitening treatments. By keeping the whitening agents in close contact with your teeth for an extended period of time, the aligners can help to speed up the whitening process and achieve better results.

6. Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential for all patients, but it is especially important for those using Invisalign Clear Aligners. The purpose of Invisalign aligners is to fit tightly against your teeth and realign them, but this can also trap bacteria, food, and plaque against your teeth. Normally, saliva would help wash these substances away, but this does not happen when wearing Invisalign aligners. To keep your teeth clean and prevent decay and cavities, be sure to brush and floss every time you remove your aligners to eat or drink anything other than water.

7. Change to New Aligners at Night

If you’re finding it difficult to adjust to your new Invisalign aligners, you might want to try switching them at night. This will allow you to sleep through the initial period of discomfort, and you can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen before bedtime to help alleviate any pain or discomfort. Remember to always follow the recommended dosage instructions for any medication, and if your discomfort persists or becomes severe, be sure to consult your orthodontist or dentist for further guidance.

8. Wear Your Aligners for 22 Hours Each Day

It is important to wear your Invisalign Clear Aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day in order for the treatment to be effective. This means limiting the amount of time you remove the aligners for eating, drinking, and socializing. As you get used to wearing the aligners, any self-consciousness you may feel will likely fade away, and others may not even realize that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you do experience some difficulty speaking with the aligners at first, practice speaking to allow your mouth and yourself to adjust to them. If you have any concerns or discomfort during the treatment process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist or dentist for assistance.

9. Monitor Your Diet & Eating Times

It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet while wearing Invisalign Clear Aligners. Because you will only be able to remove the aligners for two hours per day to eat and drink, it is important to carefully plan your meals and snacks. You may need to eliminate or limit snacking during treatment to ensure that you are able to wear the aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day. If you are concerned about maintaining your weight during treatment, it may be helpful to speak with a doctor or nutritionist about adding more calories or protein to your meals. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as the aligners may cause increased salivation.

10. Have Backup Aligners With You

It is important to have a backup set of Invisalign Clear Aligners in case your current set becomes lost or damaged. If you don’t have backup aligners included in your treatment plan, keep your previous set as a backup. This is because new aligners usually take about a week to arrive, and during that time, you risk losing progress if you are not wearing them. If you have been wearing your previous set while waiting for your replacement set to arrive, you’ll need to restart the set you would normally wear and adjust your reminders for when to switch to new aligners in the future. Although this short setback may set your treatment back a week, you may face a greater setback if you do not have a backup or previous set available.

11. We’re Here to Answer Questions

If you have any questions or concerns about your Invisalign Clear Aligners, Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery is here to help. We can address any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan, as well as provide guidance on how to make wearing your aligners more comfortable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to schedule an appointment and get the support you need.

Are you curious about orthodontic treatment and want to learn more? If so, we encourage you to contact Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and help you understand your options for achieving a healthy, straight smile.

 

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