5 Tips To Evaluate Your Invisalign Aligners

September 7, 2022

More than 4 million people in the US use some type of aligner to straighten their teeth. This could be braces or other types of aligners. While traditional braces are the most common corrective treatment for misaligned teeth, most adults find the idea of metal braces intrusive and difficult to deal with.
The solution is a more discreet form of treatment, and that is where Invisalign offers an alternative. Let's understand what Invisalign is and how they differ from traditional braces.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a treatment to straighten teeth. Made possible by modern technology, they are different from traditional braces. Invisalign are clear aligners, worn like a mouthguard and removed when required.
Since they are transparent, they are a discrete form of treatment. You will notice your smile is improving on a daily basis. Invisalign is more convenient than other forms of orthodontic treatments and the best advantage is the ease of use.

Evaluate Your Invisalign Aligners

1) Ensure That They Fit Correctly

Your Invisalign aligner is a custom fit for your teeth. A model of your teeth is made from a series of 3D images for an accurate fit. Your professional dentist will carefully evaluate the fit on your teeth, you should communicate any discomfort that you have with your dentist.
A correct fit also means that the aligner will be more comfortable. This is important because for your teeth to be straightened, the fit of the aligner must be right. Then you will get the quickest results and can move on to your next phase of aligners. Each aligner is designed to apply pressure on the teeth that need to be moved. When the aligner has successfully achieved the designed moves, a new aligner is made to progress in the treatment.

2) Keeping Your Aligners clean

One of the most important parts of evaluating your Invisalign is to check for cleanliness. Since you wear the aligner 22 hours a day, there's a good chance that bacteria and germs will build up. Cleaning is an essential part of Invisalign ownership.
A good rule of thumb is to ensure that you clean your aligners once a day. This could be just before brushing your teeth in the morning and at bedtime.

A diagram showing how to clean aligners , keep old aligners , fit correctly , and never eat with aligners.

3) Store The Aligners Properly

Storage is another area where you need to pay attention when owning Invisalign. Proper storage ensures that the aligners stay true for a long time. It also prevents breakage and retains the shape. Invisalign aligners are designed to be stored for up to 12 months between uses.
The recommended storage period is between four to six months between uses. There are two types of storage containers that you can opt for - flat containers and stackable containers. If you have many aligners, opting for stackable containers may be a wise choice.

4) Don't Throw Away Your Old Aligners

It is good advice to hold on to your older aligner trays during orthodontic treatment. When using aligners, one may crack or even break in some cases. Making replacement trays can take a few days, even if your orthodontist is located close to your home.
If you have your older trays, you can use them as temporary retainers until you get your new aligners. It can help keep the progress of your alignment going while you wait for the new trays to arrive.

5) Never Eat With Aligners In

The first reason is that chewing anything is not easy with aligners on. Secondly, since they are clear, they can easily stain, making them less clear and transparent. Always keep in mind not to eat anything with aligners in it.
The ideal way to use aligners is to take them out when you eat or drink anything at all. It prevents breakages and stains, keeping them looking good for longer. Besides eating, you leave your aligners in all the time, so you get those 22 hours in a day.

In Summary

Opting for perfect Invisalign as your orthodontic treatment is a great choice to get beautiful-looking teeth. It works out to be cheaper than traditional braces and much less bothersome because you can take it out when necessary, which cannot be done with braces. Unless you have severe teeth alignment issues, opting for Invisalign will be a much better option for you in the longer run. They look more aesthetically pleasing on your teeth ( when you are careful not to stain them throughout use). The Invisalign treatment has a proven track record of success. You will have the smile you desire in less time and with less bother than with traditional metal braces.

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