Invisalign treatment yields amazing results for those wanting a straight, beautiful smile without braces. We have a few Invisalign tips and tricks to help get you the best results in the predicted time or sooner.
What Is Invisalign?
Let’s start with the basics, such as “What is Invisalign?” and how Invisalign works.
Invisalign debuted in the 1990s as an alternative to orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces. Instead of using metal brackets and wires to move teeth, Invisalign uses clear acrylic trays custom-molded to your teeth. They are unique to each patient.
Invisalign can correct a variety of dental problems, including overbites, underbites, gap teeth, and more.
Invisalign treatment is planned in a similar way to braces. The difference is that sets of removable, clear trays are created to move teeth a certain amount, and then new trays are changed out to continue the process. Trays are changed out an average of every 1-2 weeks.
These trays are nearly invisible on the teeth so that you can straighten them with a natural look, as opposed to the look of metal all over your teeth. You can also remove them to eat, so there are no food restrictions.
Tips for Invisalign
The basics of Invisalign trays are wearing them as prescribed, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, and removing them while eating. Within a few months, you’ll have a fantastic new smile. But there are things you can do to make your Invisalign treatment better.
Here are some Invisalign hacks to make your treatment go smoother.
Wearing Invisalign 22 Hours a Day
One of the most vital parts of your Invisalign treatment is how long you wear them. They are most effective when worn 22 hours a day. The less you wear them, the more time you’ll need in treatment to get the results you want. Wear your clear aligners 22 hours per day for the shortest treatment time and best results.
Follow the Schedule
Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics will give you a schedule of when to switch from one set of trays to the next in line. Follow that schedule to keep your treatment on track. Keep your checkup schedule as well. We will need to see you occasionally to ensure your treatment is on track.
Invisalign Discomfort
With Invisalign, pain in the first week isn’t uncommon. Your teeth are suddenly being told to move, so it’s natural to have discomfort. You can rinse your mouth and gums with warm salt water to reduce the discomfort. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication as directed on the bottle.
How Long Does It Take To Get Used To Invisalign?
It may take a few days for your mouth to become accustomed to Invisalign. You may have trouble talking normally and may have a slight lisp. This may happen with each tray exchange, but you should get used to wearing your Invisalign aligners in a few days.
Rinse Your Invisalign After Removal and Before Replacement
Rinse your aligners whenever you remove them from your mouth. This will help clean off food particles, bacteria, and plaque. Rinse them before putting them back into your mouth, but brush your teeth before. That way, you don’t trap plaque and food particles against your teeth and increase your chances of tooth decay.
Clean Your Invisalign Properly
You must brush and floss at least twice a day, but cleaning your aligners at least once a day is also important. Soak your trays in warm water with Invisalign cleaner tablets. You can use denture tablets, but only if they are non-abrasive. Do not use a toothbrush and toothpaste. The toothpaste has abrasive material that can scratch your clear aligners and make them look cloudy.
Hold Onto Old Invisalign Clear Aligners
Don’t throw out your old trays when switching to a new set. If you lose your clear aligners or the new ones don’t fit properly, we may have you go back to wearing your previous trays until we can adjust or replace them. You may also need to wear the old trays longer if they weren’t worn for 22 hours a day as prescribed.
Remove Your Aligners to Eat
Take out your Invisalign to eat or to drink colored liquids that could stain your aligners, such as fruit juices, soda, tea, or coffee. Eating with your trays could damage them. Be sure to brush your teeth after eating and before replacing your trays.
Bite Down on ‘Chewies’
“Chewies” are cylindrical foam pieces that press your Invisalign tighter to your teeth for a better fit. We recommend using these if you have gaps between your Invisalign and teeth. Bite on these foam pieces several times to tighten your Invisalign to your teeth. You can do this several times a day if necessary.
Store Your Aligners Safely
Replacing clear aligners is costly, so store them safely in your Invisalign case when they aren’t in your mouth. We also recommend having a storage case available for when you go out. That way, you can store them safely while you eat in a restaurant, movie theater, or elsewhere. NEVER wrap your clear aligners in a napkin. It’s too easy to throw them away accidentally!
Wear Your Retainers After Treatment
We have one more bonus tip for you. This isn’t for your treatment; it’s for after your treatment: Wear your retainers. All your work to get your teeth straight may go to waste if you don’t wear your retainers. We’ll start you out wearing your retainers 22 hours a day. After a while, that usually can be reduced to overnight hours.
Invisalign Treatment in Topeka, KS
Invisalign treatment can yield amazing results, and Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics can help you get those results. We offer Invisalign in Topeka, KS, that will give you a fantastic smile!
Are you ready to see a new you? Schedule an appointment for Invisalign treatment in Topeka, KS. We look forward to helping you, and we’ll always have a tip or trick to enhance your treatment!