Invisalign is an excellent orthodontic option for individuals seeking teeth realignment without the use of traditional metal braces. When your Invisalign provider recommends clear braces as the right choice for you, they will design a customized treatment plan and guide you through the entire process. To ensure optimal results from your Invisalign procedure, here are ten valuable tips to minimize complications and maximize outcomes.
1. Adhere to Your Invisalign Schedule
Invisalign trays are typically changed every one to two weeks, as indicated in your treatment plan. It’s crucial to follow this timeline to achieve the desired outcomes. Make a note of when you should wear the next set of trays and set reminders in your planner or phone. Staying on top of your Invisalign schedule ensures you wear the new aligners at the appropriate times and attend all follow-up appointments for progress checks.
2. Wear New Aligners at Night
When you switch to a new set of aligners, they may exert pressure on your teeth, leading to temporary discomfort or pain. This discomfort indicates that Invisalign is effectively shifting your teeth to their desired positions. To minimize initial discomfort, wait until bedtime on days when you need to wear new aligners. This way, you can sleep through the most uncomfortable period. Over-the-counter pain medication can also help alleviate any pain during the first few days. Remember, while Invisalign may not always be entirely comfortable, the ultimate results are undoubtedly worth it.
3. Wear Aligners for at Least 22 Hours a Day
To ensure the effectiveness of your treatment, it’s crucial to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day. While you can remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, it’s important to avoid unnecessary removals to prevent exceeding the maximum recommended time. Although you may feel self-conscious about wearing aligners, remember that they fit snugly around your teeth, and people around you will likely notice. Any initial insecurity or slight lisp while speaking will diminish as you get accustomed to wearing your aligners. Your Invisalign provider will recommend wearing aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily, especially during the first few days of each new set. Tracking the time you have the aligners out of your mouth can be done with a timer or stopwatch on your watch or phone. Consistently wearing your aligners maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment.
4. Evaluate Your Diet Carefully
Your diet can impact your Invisalign experience in several ways. Since you have limited time for eating and cleaning your teeth each day, it’s advisable to avoid snacking between meals, as removing aligners frequently can be time-consuming. Some patients even refer to this as the “Invisalign diet” and find it beneficial for weight loss. However, if you’re maintaining a proper weight or are underweight, you may need to take additional measures to ensure you’re consuming enough calories. Consult with a healthcare provider to develop an effective diet plan for your specific needs. Drinking plenty of water is essential to combat excessive salivation caused by wearing aligners, as it helps prevent dehydration. Avoid consuming any beverages other than water while wearing your aligners, as some drinks, such as tea or coffee, can stain or warp the aligner material.
5. Carry a Retainer Case with You
Whenever you need to remove your aligners, ensure you have a retainer case to store them safely. Alternatively, you can wrap the aligners in a clean cloth to avoid misplacing or accidentally discarding them. Carrying a retainer case with you at all times, whether at work or social gatherings, is a wise practice. Consider keeping an extra case in your briefcase or purse to have one readily available in multiple locations. This saves you the trouble of carrying the case back and forth between home and the office.
6. Keep Backup Aligners
To avoid the risk of your teeth shifting back to their previous positions, it’s essential to have backup aligners on hand in case your current set gets damaged or lost. Replacing a new set of aligners usually takes about a week, which can lead to setbacks and reverse the progress you’ve already made. By retaining the previous set as a backup, you can continue the treatment plan uninterrupted once you receive the replacement set. Adjust your reminders accordingly to ensure you wear the aligners as scheduled. Not having backup aligners readily available can significantly impact the overall duration of your treatment.
7. Maintain Clean Aligners
To preserve the clarity and hygiene of your clear aligners, it’s crucial to clean them regularly. Failure to do so can result in discoloration, odor, and an unpleasant feeling in your mouth. The Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System is an effective option, utilizing special cleaning crystals to remove plaque in approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can clean your aligners with warm water and antibacterial soap. Be cautious about water temperature, as excessively hot water can soften and warp the aligners. While toothpaste can be used, some brands may contain abrasive substances that can scratch the aligners. Scratches not only affect the clear appearance but can also harbor bacteria if they become deep enough. Avoid smoking while wearing aligners, as it can cause stains. Only consume water while the aligners are in your mouth, ensuring it’s not hot enough to damage the aligner material. Drinks like tea or coffee, as well as chewing gum, should be avoided, as they can stain the aligners or cause material warping.
8. Prioritize Oral Hygiene
Maintaining proper dental hygiene is crucial for everyone, but it becomes even more important during Invisalign treatment. Since the aligners snugly fit around your teeth, saliva cannot effectively wash away food particles, bacteria, and plaque as it normally would. To keep your teeth healthy and reduce the risk of cavities, brush and floss daily, and remove the aligners when eating or drinking. This practice prevents staining of both your teeth and the aligners by avoiding colorful foods and beverages.
9. Use Whitening Toothpaste
Invisalign aligners effectively retain toothpaste remnants, including fluoride and whitening agents, after brushing, providing an ideal environment for teeth whitening. Unlike individuals with metal braces, Invisalign patients can whiten their teeth during treatment, as the aligners protect the toothpaste ingredients from being washed away. This presents an excellent opportunity to achieve a brighter smile while simultaneously aligning your teeth.
10. Utilize a Retainer After Treatment
To maintain the results of your Invisalign treatment, it’s essential to continue caring for your smile. Teeth have a tendency to shift back to their original positions even after straightening. Consult with your Invisalign provider to determine the recommended post-treatment steps, which typically involve wearing the final set of clear aligners for an extended period and transitioning to a retainer. Your provider will guide you on how frequently to wear the retainer and when to replace it, ensuring the long-term preservation of your smile.
By following these ten tips, you can make the most of your Invisalign journey, achieving the desired outcomes while maintaining oral health and hygiene. Remember to consult with your Invisalign provider, such as London City Smile, for personalized advice and guidance throughout the treatment process.