01 Dec Tips for Successfully Wearing Your Invisalign Clear Aligners

If you are using Invisalign clear aligners as part of your orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering how to get the most out of your aligners and how to wear them comfortably. Our orthodontic team in Whitby has some helpful hints to share.

How can I get the most out of wearing Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Invisalign clear aligners are an effective orthodontic treatment option for patients who want to straighten or realign their teeth without wearing traditional metal braces. They are removable, which makes them convenient for busy lifestyles, and they allow for discreet teeth straightening. If you have decided to use Invisalign clear aligners as part of your treatment, you may have concerns about how to wear them effectively.

Here are some tips from our dentists to help you get the most out of your aligners:

1. Keep Them Clean

It’s important to keep your Invisalign aligners clean to maintain their clear and transparent appearance and to prevent discolouration. Here’s how to properly clean your aligners:

• Thoroughly rinse your aligners each time you remove them from your mouth.
• Wash your aligners with clear, antibacterial soap or soak them in a denture cleaner or the cleaning solution provided with them.
• Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in your mouth.

Bacteria can accumulate on your aligners while you sleep, so it’s important to clean them at least once a day. Proper dental hygiene is also important for maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment.

2. Track Your Schedule for Switching Times

To ensure that your teeth shift properly and that your Invisalign treatment progresses as planned, it’s important to switch to a new set of aligners approximately every seven days. Here are some tips for keeping track of your treatment schedule:

• Write it in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone to switch to a new set of aligners.
• Some clear aligner brands have an app designed to help you track your treatment.

By following your prescribed treatment schedule, you can help ensure that your teeth shift into the correct position and that your treatment is successful. It’s important to be consistent with your aligner wear to get the most out of your treatment.

3. Store Your Invisalign Clear Aligners Properly

To ensure that your Invisalign Clear Aligners stay clean and undamaged, it’s important to have a secure storage location for them. When you remove your aligners to eat, brush or floss, or participate in sports, here are some tips for keeping them safe:

• Use a plastic storage case that fits in your pocket to keep your aligners clean and prevent them from becoming dirty or damaged.
• If you leave your aligners out, be sure to thoroughly clean them and soak them in solution before reintroducing them to your mouth.

By keeping your aligners clean and protected, you can help ensure that your treatment is successful and your teeth shift into the correct position. It’s also important to keep your teeth clean when you replace your aligners to maintain good oral hygiene.

4. Give Your Teeth Time to Adjust

As you progress through your Invisalign treatment, you’ll be switching to a new set of aligners approximately every seven days. These aligners will gradually move your teeth in small increments, and you may experience some soreness or discomfort during the first few days of wearing a new set.

However, once your mouth adjusts, this discomfort should go away. If you’re experiencing a lot of discomforts, your dentist may be able to suggest ways to make the adjustment period easier. It’s also a good idea to keep dental wax on hand in case you need it to alleviate any irritation or rubbing caused by the aligners. Remember to consult your dentist if you have any concerns about your treatment.

5. Use a Whitening Toothpaste

Did you know that your Invisalign aligners can help you whiten your teeth? Because they are effective at holding substances close to teeth, you can use this to your advantage to keep whitening agents and fluoride remnants in place after brushing. Simply brush your teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride or a whitening agent, then put in your aligners and wear them for the recommended amount of time. This will help the whitening or fluoride to stay in contact with your teeth longer, potentially increasing its effectiveness. Just be sure to clean your aligners thoroughly after each use to remove any excess toothpaste or whitening agents.

6. Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

To maximize the benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing them. This includes brushing and flossing every time you remove your aligners to eat or drink anything other than water. By keeping your teeth clean, you can prevent the buildup of bacteria, food, and plaque that can lead to decay and cavities. It is also recommended to brush and rinse your aligners with clear, antibacterial soap and soak them in a denture cleaner or the cleaning solution provided to keep them clean and prevent them from becoming damaged.

Additionally, be sure to switch to a new set of aligners every seven days as prescribed to ensure your treatment progresses as planned. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Invisalign Clear Aligners are effective in straightening and realigning your teeth.

7. Change to New Aligners at Night

If you experience discomfort when switching to a new set of Invisalign Clear Aligners, you can try switching them at night to allow yourself to sleep through the initial adjustment period. You may also find relief by taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before bedtime. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your orthodontist and discuss any concerns you may have about discomfort or pain during treatment.

8. Wear Your Aligners for 22 Hours Each Day

Proper wear time is essential for the success of your Invisalign treatment. To ensure that your teeth are properly aligned, it is important to wear your aligners for approximately 22 hours each day. This means that you should limit the amount of time you remove them for eating, drinking, and socializing.

As you get used to wearing your Invisalign Clear Aligners, any self-consciousness you may feel will likely fade, and others may not even realize you are straightening your teeth. If you develop a slight lisp during the first few days of treatment, try speaking to practice adjusting to your aligners.

9. Monitor Your Diet & Eating Times

It’s important to maintain a healthy diet while wearing Invisalign Clear Aligners. Since you’ll need to remove your aligners for meals and snacks, you’ll have a limited amount of time to eat each day. This may mean that you’ll need to eliminate some snacking to fit all your meals and snacks into your allotted time. If you’re concerned about maintaining your weight, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about adding more calories or protein to your meals in a healthy way. Additionally, make sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate and replace any fluids lost due to increased salivation caused by the aligners.

10. Have Backup Aligners With You

If you lose or damage your Invisalign Clear Aligners, it is important to have a backup plan in place. Some treatment plans include additional aligners in case of loss or damage, but if you do not have this option, it is helpful to keep your previous set as a backup. This is because it can take about a week to receive a new set of aligners, and wearing them consistently is important for maintaining treatment progress. If you do need to use a previous set while waiting for a replacement, be sure to adjust your schedule for switching to new aligners in the future. While this temporary setback may cause a delay of about a week, not having a backup plan could result in a greater loss of progress.

11. Change Aligners in Private

It’s important to take care when removing and replacing your Invisalign Clear Aligners to ensure that the treatment progresses as planned. It’s recommended to do this in a private space, such as a bathroom, where you can use a mirror to help you position the aligners correctly. It may take some time to get used to handling the aligners, but with practice, it will become easier. Remember to brush and floss your teeth before replacing the aligners to maintain good oral hygiene.

12. We’re Here to Answer Questions

If you have any questions about your Invisalign treatment or how to care for your aligners, contact Taunton Orthodontics for more information and assistance. Looking for Invisalign treatment? We’re accepting new patients too!