But First, What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is a custom-made aligner that you need to interchange for six to eighteen months, or longer depending on the severity of your teeth’s misalignment. Similar to a retainer, Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that shifts and properly aligns teeth for a stunning smile. Normally, these clear aligners are computer-generated from a mold (or impression), and the fit is unique to each patient.

Invisalign® Tips Every Patient Should Know

Below, we at 24/7 Local Dentist have compiled seven tips to help you take full advantage of your Invisalign® treatment.

1. Pay Close Attention to Your Invisalign® Schedule

In most cases, a dentist recommends changing Invisalign® trays every two weeks. Depending on your individualized treatment plan, following the specified intervals is key to shifting and straightening your teeth at a manageable pace.

Staying on track of your Invisalign® schedule is a significant factor in achieving your desired results. Therefore, ensure you are aware of which day you need to change your set of Invisalign® trays. Note all dates in a planner, or set a reminder on your phone. Moreover, remember to attend your follow-up appointments so your dentist can monitor your progress.

2. Switch Out Your Aligners at Night

A new set of Invisalign® trays adds pressure on your teeth, often causing some discomfort that suggests Invisalign® is working. On days you are scheduled to wear a new set of aligners, one way to minimize discomfort is to wait until bedtime. This tactic allows you to sleep through the first several hours, which are typically the most sore. In the morning, your teeth may feel sore. Nonetheless, the worst has passed while you were dreaming of a captivating new smile.

3. Wear Your Aligners 22 Hours Per Day

For Invisalign® to work its magic, you have to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. But even us dental specialists understand that there are times when you need to remove your aligners, such as when eating or cleaning your teeth. The problem here, however, is you might forget to put them back in. You should limit such instances since removing your aligners for extended periods could prolong your treatment.

4. Make Sure to Clean Your Invisalign® Trays

Improper care, as well as exposure to certain foods and beverages, can cause your Invisalign® Clear Aligners to lose some of their clarity. Dirty aligners can also develop an odor and feel icky in your mouth.

The best way to clean your aligners is with the Invisalign® Aligner Cleaning System. This technology uses special cleaning crystals to remove plaque from aligners in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can combine antibacterial soap with lukewarm water to clean your aligners. Toothpaste is another popular option, but be careful with this method since some toothpaste products contain abrasive substances that can scratch your aligners.

And to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, food particles, and stains on your aligners, avoid the following:

• Hard and sticky food, especially candy
• Coffee, tea, wine, and other dark-colored beverages

Excluding the aforementioned from your diet will make the Invisalign® process easier and faster.

5. Keep Your Teeth Clean at All Times

Proper oral hygiene is important for everyone, but it is especially vital for Invisalign® patients. Your aligners fit tightly around your teeth, and anything on your chompers — including food particles and plaque — will stay in place, too. Saliva cannot perform its usual job of washing away bacteria on teeth.

To keep your oral health in tip-top shape and minimize the risk of dental cavities, make sure to brush each time you remove your aligners to eat or drink something other than water. Brushing is also an important step to prevent colored consumables from staining your teeth and aligners.

6. Use Whitening Toothpaste

The fact that Invisalign® aligners keep substances stuck to your teeth without washing them away is not always a disadvantage. In truth, when it comes to teeth whitening, this is a major advantage. When undergoing Invisalign® treatment, among the best ways to brighten your teeth is to use a whitening toothpaste. Your aligners will block remnants of the toothpaste — including fluoride and whitening agents — from washing away after you brush.

Orthodontic patients who have traditional metal braces often have to finish their treatment before whitening their teeth. On the other hand, Southern California Invisalign® patients do not need to wait. You can begin the whitening process now as your teeth align.

7. Wear a Retainer After You Finish Treatment

Since teeth have a pesky way of shifting back to their original position, at the conclusion of your treatment, your dentist will discuss preventive strategies for the latter. Wearing your last set of Invisalign® aligners for a while longer, and then transitioning to a retainer is the best approach. Invisalign® recommends using a Vivera retainer. How often you should wear your retainer is an important subject to discuss with your dentist.

The Bottom Line: You Won’t Regret It

The satisfaction of having gorgeous, perfectly straight teeth is a feeling unlike any other. While getting Invisalign® may adjust your habits and daily routine, it will all be worth it in the end.

24/7 Local Dentist is Here to Help

We hope you learned something from our best Invisalign® tips. Here at 24/7 Local Dentist, it is our mission to make patient care a priority. If you are interested in knowing more about Invisalign® and other types of cosmetic dentistry, feel free to browse our blogs. You can also contact us to schedule a dental appointment, where we can answer your questions and determine if Invisalign is right for you. Our 51 years of service mirrors our commitment to improving our patients' lives and ongoing push toward continuous advancement.