Over the years, orthodontic treatments have come a long way from the traditional metal braces that were once the only option for teeth straightening. Thanks to the introduction of Invisalign, which has revolutionised the field of orthodontics with clear aligners, that allow people to achieve a beautiful smile without the need for bulky and noticeable braces.
If you’re just starting on your teeth straightening journey and are looking for some useful Invisalign tips to help you take care of your teeth and aligners, our Ballarat dentists are here to help. These Invisalign tips and tricks can ensure your Invisalign aligners are well taken care of and so are your teeth for a successful orthodontic treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a teeth straightening system that uses clear, custom-made aligners that are practically invisible, making them a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth discreetly. These aligners are made from durable plastic material and are designed to gradually shift your teeth to their desired position.
One of the main advantages of Invisalign is the aesthetic appeal it offers. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. This means that people can undergo treatment without feeling embarrassed or disrupting their daily routine or social activities.
Invisalign also offers some practical benefits, such as easier oral hygiene and fewer dietary restrictions because they are removable. You also don’t need to visit the dentist as often as the aligners are customised for your teeth and do not need brackets and wires to fit. You’re given a series of Invisalign custom trays, and each one is discarded as your teeth gradually align.
Have you started your Invisalign treatment yet? If yes, then here are some tips to help you maintain your aligners and get the best results for a healthier, straighter, and more beautiful smile.
Top 10 Invisalign Tips for Beginners
1. Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners
It’s important to keep your Invisalign aligners clean to prevent bacteria buildup and staining. Keep your aligners clean by soaking them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, unscented soap. Avoid using toothpaste or coloured soap, as these can scratch or discolour your aligners.
2. Easing Discomfort & Irritation
It’s common to experience discomfort or irritation during the first few days of wearing Invisalign aligners. It takes some time for the aligners to settle and feel comfortable on your teeth, like breaking in a new pair of shoes. You can also use orthodontic wax to cover any rough spots that irritate and ease the aligners onto your teeth.
3. Optimal Wearing Time
Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours daily for optimal results. Only remove them when eating or brushing your teeth.
4. Oral Hygiene with Invisalign
It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing Invisalign aligners. Brush your teeth after every meal and don’t forget to floss and remove food particles trapped between your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Flossing ensures that food particles don’t get stuck in your aligners and all plaque-inducing bacteria are removed so it doesn’t damage your teeth.
5. Follow Your Treatment Plan
Invisalign treatment involves a series of custom-made aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is worn for about 7 to 10 days before being replaced by the next one in the series. You need to change your aligners on time as each set is designed to gradually move your teeth. Not following the treatment plan designed by your dentists could impact your results and increase the treatment time required.
Additional Tip: Don’t dispose of your discarded aligners. Instead, keep them safe in their tray in case there’s a problem with your new set or if you lose or break it. This ensures your treatment doesn’t stop while the new one is being made.
6. Taking Care of Your Aligners
The convenience of having removable aligners for eating and cleaning is numerous. But it can also increase the chances of misplacing or losing your aligners. Therefore, always put your aligners in their case when not in use, even if it’s for a couple of minutes. There have been many instances where the aligners have been placed in tissue and mistakenly thrown in the trash. Customised Invisalign trays are expensive and take time to prepare. As such, any careless or forgetful mistake can slow the progress of your treatment and lead to unnecessary costs.
7. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water regularly is important to keep your mouth hydrated and prevent dry mouth when wearing your aligners. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath and bacterial growth, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
8. Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can damage or stain your Invisalign aligners. Avoid hot, hard or sticky foods like popcorn, nuts, and gum. Also, avoid coloured drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. It is advisable to remove your aligners before consuming anything except water to protect them.
9. Invisalign Retainers
Once you complete your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear retainers to maintain the position of your teeth. Retainers should be worn for at least 22 hours daily for the first few months and gradually reduced to nighttime wear only. Your dentist will help guide you on the optimal retainer-wearing time according to your requirements. This ensures your new smile stays in place, helping maintain it for lasting results.
10. Consistency is Key
Consistently wearing your Invisalign aligners as directed by your dentist is crucial to achieving the best results. Skipping or prolonging the wear time of your aligners can delay treatment and affect the outcome.
Ready to Move Towards a More Aligned Smile?
Invisalign is an ideal solution for people looking to fix crooked teeth, misalignment, gaps, and bite issues. With an average treatment time of 10 to 18 months (though each case may vary depending on the condition of the teeth) and a high success rate, Invisalign offers considerable benefits for patients with orthodontic issues.At our Ballarat dental clinic, we offer a range of smile makeover treatments to help you reach your aesthetic and oral health goals for a lasting and beautiful smile. Whether you’re looking for teeth straightening with Invisalign, teeth whitening or dental implants, we’ve got you covered – with a team of gentle and friendly dentists who align your treatment plans with your lifestyle and dental requirements. Book a consultation at Dana Street Dental today.
