Life With Clear Aligners
You started your Invisalign....now what?
After you start your clear aligners, our team at Vac Orthodontics will spend time with you to show you how to take care of your aligners and to avoid any problems.
Time of Wear
Commit to wearing your aligners 22 hours per day. Invisalign only works if you actually wear the trays for most of your day. If you are not willing to wear them at least twenty-two hours every single day, then you are less likely to get fast, positive results from Invisalign.
Changing Aligners
Change your aligners on time and in the right order. If Dr. Vac tells you it is time to change and aligner, change it. If she tells you to let one sit for a few more days, let it sit. You won’t make your treatment go faster if you put in different trays without being instructed to do so. This is just stage 1 in your treatment. It is not uncommon to have multiple stages (sets) of treatment. If fact, most people need to get at least 2 sets of trays.
Adapting to Clear Aligners
Most people say that they can feel the aligners, especially during the first couple of days, push against the teeth. As you continue to wear your aligners every day you’ll begin to notice the feeling less and less. When you first put in your very first aligner, you will probably notice more saliva than usual and slight changes in your speech. The best way to get rid of this is not to take out the tray, but to practice talking with the tray in. You will get used to it very quickly.
Most people will not notice your aligners. One of the biggest complaints that those who use Invisalign have is that they feel like everyone will notice they are wearing the trays. It’s just not true, and considering the alternative (metal braces), these aligners are far less visible.
Taking Care of Your Aligners
The best way to clean your Invisalign trays is with warm water and antibacterial soap or toothpaste. Invisalign also puts out their own products for cleaning their trays, but soap and water usually does perfectly fine. Do not put trays in mouthwash, the dishwasher, microwave, boiling water, etc.
Use the case! When you take your trays out to eat or brush, put your trays in the case. They are easily lost when wrapped in napkins/tissues, etc. Make sure to put your trays back in as soon as you are finished eating or brushing
Eating and Drinking with Aligners
Make sure to always remove your aligners before you eat or drink. You can drink water and clear liquids while wearing your trays, but avoid any dark beverages (ie coffee) and do not eat in the trays. If your teeth and the trays themselves are not clean, they can actually hold plaque and bacteria against your teeth. Make sure you’re brushing and flossing regularly during your treatment.
Soreness from Clear Aligners
A little soreness is normal. You can take Tylenol or Ibuprofen if needed for discomfort. Just like braces, Invisalign moves your teeth. This can cause some discomfort at first, but it does improve rapidly. Occasionally, a tray may rub your gums or cheeks. If needed, you can use a nail file to smooth a rough edge at home. If this does not help, call us and we will arrange for you to be seen.
Have more questions or concerns?
Give us a call and we are happy to answer any of your questions or concerns.
Photos courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists.
Contact Information
- Vac Orthodontics
482 Mercantile Place #104
Fort Mill, SC 29715
(Springfield Town Center)
Hours:
Mon-Fri- 8 a.m - 5 p.m
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