Starting Invisalign:
What to Expect and How to Care for Your Aligners
You’ve started your Invisalign journey—now what? At Vac Orthodontics, we’ll guide you through every step to ensure your clear aligners work effectively and comfortably. From proper wear and cleaning to managing soreness and adapting to your trays, our tips will help you get the best results while keeping your smile healthy and bright.
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Starting Your
Invisalign Treatment
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 an 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. In 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 used to this is 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 offers products for cleaning their trays, but soap and water usually works 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
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 (e.g., 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, which can cause some discomfort at first, but this improves 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.