Invisalign® is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments available today. More and more people are choosing to use this treatment because it can be customized for a wide variety of teeth issues. It also gives you the freedom to take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, drink or brush your teeth. This blog post will give you some tips on how to get the most out of your Invisalign® experience!
The First 48 Hours
In order to get the most out of your Invisalign® treatment, make sure to wear aligners as much as possible for the first 48 hours. Our dentists recommend only removing your trays to brush your teeth and eat for the first two days, getting them back into place as quickly as possible. This initial stage of Invisalign® is crucial and will lay the foundation for the rest of your teeth straightening process.
Wear For 22 Hours a Day
Our dentists recommend wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day. Unlike braces, Invisalign® only works if you actually wear your trays. In order to get timely, accurate results, you must aim for 22 hours of wear per day. Remember: an inconvenience now can lead to better results later in the process!
Listen To Your Dentists
If they say it’s time to change your aligner tray, then it’s time! If they tell you to keep your old tray in just a little longer, trust the process! Don’t rush ahead and think your treatment will accelerate if you move on to your next tray. Patience is the key with Invisalign®! It takes the opinion of a professional dentist to evaluate how long each tray should be worn before exchanging it for the next one.
Stay Consistent to Push Past Discomfort
Most Invisalign® patients experience pressure during the first couple of days of treatment. While slightly uncomfortable in the beginning, Invisalign® aligners are not painful and become less noticeable the more you wear them. By sticking to the 22 hours-a-day rule, you will get used to your trays more rapidly than if you constantly take them in and out.
Speaking With Your Trays
When you first put in your new Invisalign® tray, you may notice that you’ll speak with a slight lisp. Much like the strange sensation of teeth being moved, the more you wear your trays and practice speaking in them, the easier it will be to speak normally with them.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
It’s important to brush and floss your teeth as soon as you remove Invisalign® aligners, in order to avoid stains or cavities. While your aligners are pressed tightly against your teeth, your saliva will not be able to naturally wash away any of the gunk left behind, causing unwanted bacteria build-up directly on the enamel of your teeth. Thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal will help maintain great oral hygiene during your Invisalign® treatment process, preventing plaque, tartar, and cavities.
Clean Your Trays
Every time you remove your Invisalign® trays, it’s crucial to clean them properly. Dry saliva and plaque create a perfect breeding ground for foul-smelling bacteria. Soaking your aligners in denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, or the official Invisalign® cleaning crystals are all excellent options for keeping your trays clear and sanitized.
This is an inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria. Don’t use toothpaste to clean your trays, as this will scratch the plastic and create places for bacteria to live inside your aligners.
Follow Post-Treatment Instructions
By accurately following post-care instructions from your dentist, you’re ensuring that your Invisalign® treatment will continue to work properly for the long haul and that you’ll maintain your straight smile long after your last retainer.
