Congratulations! You’ve begun your Invisalign journey. If you’ve recently start wearing your aligners, you’re likely eager to see your new smile take shape. However, you may have already recognized some challenges. Learning how to adjust to life with Invisalign isn’t always easy. As you continue wearing your aligners, you’ll get used to it; however, we wanted to share a few tips that will help you adjust:
- Speak Up If They Don’t Fit Right
It’s important that your aligners fit your teeth snugly. They may even feel almost too tight at first. That’s fairly common as you progress through your trays. Consider getting Invisalign “chewies” which help put the aligners into the proper position on your teeth. Also, when putting in your aligners, put them over your front teeth first then snap them into place on top of the remainder teeth. If you are still having trouble, give us a call. Your dentist can do an exam and make sure things are going smoothly.
- Get Used to Removing Them
You will need to remove your aligners to brush your teeth, floss, eat a meal, or sip anything other than water. At first, your aligners may feel too snug or difficult to remove. Give yourself plenty of extra time to take off your aligners. You can also practice removing them by starting at the back of your teeth or on one side only, then going from there. If it’s still too much of a challenge, try using an ortho key or aligner hook to pop them off your teeth more easily. Over tim,e this process will become second nature. Just be sure to always keep track of where you place them! Having a designated storage case can help prevent losing them.
- Rinse After Meals
Food and drink can easily get trapped between your teeth and aligners, which could lead to cavities or staining. Be diligent about swishing water around your mouth after eating and brushing before putting your aligners back in. Consider carrying a toothbrush and toothpaste, when out and about. Staying on top of your oral care routines are a must.
- Soothe Soreness
Tenderness and slight pain are common during the first week. Over-the-counter pain medication can help minimize discomfort. Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater may also alleviate irritation. The discomfort should lessen within a few days as your mouth adjusts to the pressure. Give it time and use relief methods to manage soreness.
- Stick With the Wear Schedule
For Invisalign to work properly, you must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. Building this routine requires commitment and discipline. Set phone alerts to help remember when to reinsert a fresh pair after meals. Always keep your next set in its case and nearby, so you don’t forget to put them back in. Forgetting to put your aligners back in could lengthen treatment time and hinder progress.
Keep in mind, if you lose or break an aligner, call our office to address the issue promptly. Not wearing aligner for long could impact progress. We’ll help you replace it, so you can get back on track. Adapting habits around Invisalign – like wearing aligners consistently and removing and cleaning them properly after meals – requires effort. However, getting used to this new routine will help you adjust to life with Invisalign. Before you know it, your treatment will be complete and your smile will be better than ever.
Need more personalized tips? Call Copperfield Dentistry in Houston, TX today at 281-643-0316 or schedule online to make your appointment.