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Whether you’re trying to look better for your wedding day or for your clients at work, Invisalign is a great choice to move your teeth into a straighter position or take care of more serious problems like an overbite. They work while you wear them, and most people won’t even notice that you’re getting your teeth treated at all.
These are a few tips and tricks that will make your invisalign journey a smooth ride.
Follow your doctor’s plan
Orthodontists recommend you wear your aligners for 20-21 hours a day. Because Invisalign is a removable plastic tray, it may be tempting to take itoffoften. Try to keep them on unless you’re eating or caring for your teeth. This is especially important for the first 72 hours, when you put on a newaligner.
While you change aligners around every ten days, you’ll want to commit yourself to following the doctor’s orders. This can mean taking one aligner out early or leaving it in for a few extra days. Do not take it upon yourself to hurry the process. Also, keep up with your appointments.
Your mouth will need time to adjust
Your mouth will need some time to adjust to your aligners, but thankfully not as much time as conventional braces would require. You won’t experience gum irritation or discomfort caused by metal wires or permanent brackets, but you will have to adjust to removing and replacing your aligners as well as speaking with them. Once you get the hang of it, you should not encounter any issues.
Keep your teeth extra clean
Since the aligners enclose your teeth, saliva cannot easily rebuild the enamel surfaces. The trays can also hold in matter if you don't rinse your mouth well after eating. This can compromise enamel health and make you more susceptible to cavities. Hence, you need to keep your teeth spic and span.
Devote yourself to regular flossing, and be prepared to get professional cleanings done more frequently. You’ll also want to rinse your tray each time you remove and replace it.
Brush your aligners:
Did you know that you need to brush the Invisalign braces too? Cleaning them gently every morning and evening keeps stains and debris away, making them look as invisible as they should.
A good rinse (don’t be afraid to use soap!) will keep your aligners looking as clear and free of bacteria as when you got them. Just don’t use soap that has a scent in it as it could leave your braces tasting weird when you put them back on.
Soak the aligners:
Anyone well-versed in orthodontic care will tell you that cleaning is everything. Let the Invisalign braces soak in water with the cleaning agent for about 10 to 20 minutes and brush them again when they’re done. You can use soaps or cleaning solutions available in the market. If you look up any information online on how to clean Invisalign, you’ll come across “cleaning crystals”-theseare designed specifically to clean your aligners. Remember that you should do this every day. It’s the only way to stay ahead of thestains.
Be sure to dry the aligners before putting them back on your teeth to prevent moisture from staining the inside and making them visible.
Don’t eat or drink with your aligners on.
One of the advantages of Invisalign over conventional braces is that you can eat whatever you want, but make sure you don’t enjoy your culinary freedom while the aligners are still in your mouth. They are designed to straighten your teeth, not to chew food. Eating with the trays in also makes it easier for food particles to get stuck between your teeth and stain the trays (especially our spice filled indian food!) Of course, you can drink water or colourless drinks while wearing them, but nothing else. Another tip is to avoid hot drinks with your aligner on as we don’t want it to get distorted. So, remember to take out your trays and place them in your invisalign case when you sit at the table.
Don’t leave your trays out in the open when you are not wearing them.
Leaving them exposed like that could lead to buildup of bacteria while also making it more likely to lose them. When you step out, remember to slip your invisalign case into your pocket or purse so that the aligners are in your case when not in your mouth. If by chance, you do leave them out for a while, it is important that you rinse and soak them before wearing them again.
Use your chewies:
Chewies are soft chewing devices that help seat your aligners well. Biting on the chewy helps close any air gaps between your teeth and aligner, making it tight fit, thereby helping your treatment progress faster.
Planning ahead in case of travel:
You don’t want any delays in your treatment so if you know you are going to be away for 10 days or more, then plan ahead with your orthodontist so you have your next set of aligners when you need them. This way, your treatment doesn’t take any longer than it has to. It is also a good idea to take your previous aligner as a spare just in case you lose your current trays while traveling.
Lastly, remember to smile and laugh away. Invisalign allows you to align your smile without the inhibition and discomfort of metal braces. You can look directly at the camera, laugh and take selfies without reservation.
If you follow the habits described above, listen to your doctor, and lean into the process, you will find yourself smiling and laughing more freely than ever. So here's wishing you a wonderful stress free invisalign journey towards a beautiful smile.