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Tips for Success with Invisalign®

Invisalign® is an orthodontic practice that uses transparent aligners, much like braces, to fit your teeth into their correct position after using them over time. It is amongst the most common methods used in cosmetic dentistry. Most people who want to realign their teeth choose this method because they don’t desire to use traditional braces and they prefer the subtleness of how Invisalign® looks while straightening their teeth.

At Southern Dental Associates, we recommend following these tips below to improve the treatment’s success and make the process as easy as possible. Of course, it is important to follow your dentist’s specific directions for using your Invisalign® as cases may vary from person to person.

Wearing your aligners

Not wearing your aligners as often as required is the biggest mistake you can make, with the goal being for you to wear them at least twenty-two hours per day. If you don’t wear your Invisalign® for an extended period, it could hinder your results.

If you don’t clean your teeth after a meal and before setting your aligners back in place, the food particles can sit against your teeth and lead to plaque and other problems. Flossing is a fundamental part of using aligners because it ensures no food particles are left behind.

Changing your aligners at the designated time

At Southern Dental Associates, we provide you with a schedule to follow to know when to change your aligners and in which order. Invisalign® also has a handy app that helps you keep track of when to change your aligners. We recommend that you don’t try to speed up the process by wearing another set before the allotted time. Try to stick with the schedule as close as possible to follow the recommended treatment plan.

Combating tenderness with adjustment of aligners

We always ensure that your aligners fit well in your mouth. Even though that is done, some people will still experience discomfort. There are tips that you can use to make the process more comfortable.

  • After taking out your aligners, you can suck on an ice cube to numb your gum.
  • If you have a period of minor soreness, you may want to temporarily avoid crunchy, crisp, and chewy food.
  • If you realize that there’s a rough edge, tell your dentist so that they can address it, or gently file the rough edge smooth.
  • When you’re switching your aligner, you may want to change them before bedtime, so your teeth can adjust to the initial tightness overnight.

It can feel a little strange when you start wearing an Invisalign® aligner, but you will quickly get used to it. You may also speak with a slight lisp when you first start wearing your aligners, but this is normal as your mouth and tongue adjust to the presence of the aligners.

Rinsing, flossing, and brushing when using aligners

We recommend taking out your aligners at least twice per day so that you can clean and floss your teeth. After which, it’s recommended that you use mouthwash. Remember that although you wear Invisalign®, you must still practice proper oral hygiene.

Cleaning and flossing are crucial parts of the alignment process.

Avoiding coffee and tea

If you choose to use Invisalign® to align your teeth, you should avoid drinking coffee and tea because they can cause stains on the aligners. We recommend only drinking water while wearing your aligners.

It doesn’t mean you have to give up coffee, tea, and soft drinks though! Just be sure to remove your aligners while drinking and rinse or brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

Keeping your last set of aligners safe

When you’re changing the set of your aligners, please don’t throw them out. You must always keep the last set just in case you accidentally break or lose the other set. This allows you to have a backup set while you await the replacement set.

Wearing your previous set of aligners while you wait for the replacements will help ensure that your teeth won’t go back to where they were.

Knowing how to cleanse your Invisalign®

Cleaning your aligners is easy! Invisalign® sells cleaning products, such as their Cleaning Crystals and Steraligner solution, but other options can be just as effective.

Other ways to clean your aligners include soaking them in clear mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar. You can also soak them in Polident or other effervescent products that are designed for aligners. And you can gently brush them with a soft bristle toothbrush, but just be careful not to scratch the surface of your aligners.

Have questions or interested in a consultation to discuss if Invisalign® is right for you? Contact us at Southern Dental Associates and you’ll soon be on your way to a straighter smile!

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