What are Some Tips for the New Invisalign Users?

Feb 02, 2022

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment where invisible braces are custom-designed to cover the teeth and align them over time. It is an alternative treatment to using metal braces. Invisalign gives you the freedom to smile and laugh without feeling conscious about wearing teeth braces. It’s a discreet solution for teens and adults. 


Dentists in San Diego recommend Invisaligners to patients who prefer a modern way to align crooked teeth. While this treatment has its benefits, you need to take necessary care to avoid other dental issues. Let’s look at some critical tips for new Invisalign users. 


1.     Brush Your Teeth 


Wearing the aligners doesn’t mean you don’t have to follow oral hygiene. In fact, there are higher chances of bacteria piling up as the trays cover your teeth for long durations. Remove the trays and brush your teeth twice a day. Flossing after every meal ensures that food particles don’t get trapped between your teeth and the trays. 


     Pay more attention to oral hygiene when using aligners

     Use mouthwash, too but only after removing the trays

     Don’t eat anything after you brush your teeth at night

Patients who don’t follow proper oral hygiene are at a higher risk of suffering from infections due to aligners. 


2.     Drink Only Water with Invisalign


It is a very vital tip. Your dentist will help you with a list of what you should and shouldn't do. Follow them without fail. While some dentists say it’s okay to drink water when you have the trays on your teeth, others recommend removing them even when drinking water. 


Wearing the aligners for the first time will be a little uncomfortable. Even your speech will sound slightly different until you get used to the trays in your mouth. In such instances, eating food with the trays covering your teeth can be very difficult and cause pain. Not to mention, the food will be trapped in the aligners and lead to bad breath. 


What to avoid when wearing invisaligners: 

     Hot or cold beverages 

     Hot and cold food items 

     Chewing gum 

     Water (confirm with the dentist) 



Tips for the New Invisalign Users



3.   Change Trays as per Schedule 


The San Diego dentists will give you a proper schedule to replace the aligners to prevent infections. There are two crucial aspects related to the changing trays. 


   One, get the new set of trays designed on time 

   Two, keep the previous trays instead of throwing them away 


The reasons for both are simple: 


   Using old trays way past the deadline can cause dental problems 

   You won’t have aligners if the new trays don’t fit properly 

Clean and preserve the previous trays to use when there’s an issue with the new set. At the same time, don’t replace the trays faster than necessary. It’ll hurt your teeth more. 


4.   Don’t Clean the Invisaligners with Toothpaste 


We just told you to clean the aligners. So how do you do that? Definitely not with toothpaste or mouthwash. Never! Toothpaste is for your teeth (and maybe the taps and tiles) but not for the invisaligners. 


Here’s how to clean the aligners: 


   Soak them in antibacterial soap water or warm water 

   Use denture cleaner for best results 

   Get a soft-bristled toothbrush or a soft cloth

   Gently rub on the outer and inner surface 

   Wash, rinse, and dry 


What not to do: 


   Don’t use hot water to soak the trays

   Don’t use a rough toothbrush 

   Don’t expose the aligners to direct heat/ cold 

 

5.   Cover the Invisaligners When Not in Use 


We asked you to remove the aligners when eating or drinking. That’s easy enough. But where will you place them? How do you care for the trays when not in use? Mistakes could lead to unnecessary complications. They might even slow down and reverse the progress. 


   Don’t leave the trays out in the open 

   Don’t place them on a tissue paper or table 

   Don’t wrap them in handkerchiefs or napkins

   Use a hard case to store the invisaligners when not in use 

   Don’t use the aligners directly after leaving them outside 

   Wash with water and wipe with a soft cloth before reusing 

   Carry a spare tray when traveling 

 

6.   Don’t Ignore Post-Treatment Care 


Your dentist will determine when the treatment is complete. However, that’s not the end of the story. You’ve still got to follow post-treatment care recommended by the dentist. Viveras are retainers made of thicker material than aligners. 


Dentists recommend wearing retainers for around six months afterwards to support your newly aligned teeth and make them strong. Naturally, the retainers will wear down over time, and you’ll have to get a new pair made again. You can also go for metal retainers, though remember that metal retainers can shift the alignment. 


   The last aligner tray is not a retainer. 

   Retainers are compulsory to prevent your teeth from returning to the previous alignment. 

   Wear retainers all of the time during the first three months (as the dentist prescribes). 

 

 

Conclusion 


Invisaligners can hurt as the ends press into the gums. If you experience too much discomfort or pain, get the aligners checked by the dentist for minor corrections. Bite down a few times to get used to wearing the aligners and allow blood flow. Ask the doctor to prescribe orthodontic chewies to help you get used to the aligners. 




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