03 Nov 7 Simple Tips and Tricks for Life with Invisalign Braces

Struggling with your new Invisalign aligners? You’re not alone.

Invisalign braces require a lot more effort on your part than other teeth straightening treatments. For example, it’s up to you to keep them in your mouth and to switch the alignment trays according to schedule. Thus, it only takes a few mistakes to set your treatment back several months.

On the plus side, this gives you more control over the effectiveness of your treatment. For example, any problem that occurs with traditional braces, such as detached brackets, must be fixed by the orthodontist. But as long as you follow the right steps, you can ensure that your Invisalign treatment goes smoothly and according to plan.

So, to make sure this happens, we offer you the 7 most important tips you need to know about life with Invisalign braces. Read on to find out more.

1. Stick to the Schedule

Invisalign treatment requires you to change your alignment trays according to a specific schedule. This is usually scheduled every 2 weeks but varies from patient to patient. 

But, while the schedule is determined by your orthodontist, it’s up to you to follow this plan. You need a reminder system in place to make sure you don’t fall behind schedule.

For instance, you can program reminder notifications into your phone or write the reminders on your wall calendar. Or, do both. In fact, you can probably set up reminder phone calls with your orthodontist.

Whatever you need to do to remember your tray-changing dates, do it. Otherwise, your treatment will take much longer than it needs to.

2. Remember to Put the Trays Back In

You also need a separate reminder system for those times when you remove your Invisalign trays. As per your orthodontist’s instructions, the trays must remain on your teeth for at least 20 hours each day.

Now, obviously, you must remove the trays in order to clean them, and for eating and oral hygiene. This is fine, as long as you remember to put them back in. 

If the trays stay out for longer than 4 hours per day, your teeth begin to migrate back to their original position. In other words, the extra hour that you forget to replace your aligner can set your treatment schedule back a whole day.

The easiest reminder you can set up is this. Whenever you take the trays out, set a 20-minute timer. When the timer goes off, put the tray back in your mouth.

If your reason for removing the tray requires more time than this, restart the timer. This gives you 12 20-minute opportunities to take care of any aligner-free activities.

3. Change Invisalign Aligners at Night

All teeth-straightening treatments come with some level of discomfort. Primarily, this happens at the start of a new stage of the alignment.

With traditional braces, this happens when you go in to have your wires tightened. But with Invisilign, you can choose when to start wearing the next aligner trays.

Of course, you obviously need to adhere to the treatment schedule. What we’re saying is, you should always start wearing the new tray just before you go to bed. That way, you’ll sleep through the most uncomfortable part of the treatment.

4. Cleaning Invisalign Braces

Improper cleaning and care of your Invisalign aligners can damage them or otherwise disrupt the treatment. Your orthodontist will work with you to come up with a specific cleaning plan that’s ideal for you.

The best method is to use the official Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System. The second best is to scrub them with a washcloth or very soft toothbrush. For the latter method, use room-temperature water and antibacterial soap, then rinse the trays. 

Do not use toothpaste. Toothpaste contains abrasive elements that scratches the trays.

This wears down the customized shape of the trays, which is necessary for the Invisalign system to work. Their shape can also warp from exposure to very hot water.

5. Keep Your Teeth Extra Clean

As mentioned, the Invisalign system relies on the custom fit of the trays around your teeth in order to function correctly. Thus, a single sesame seed stuck between your teeth misaligns the entire tray. Plaque that builds up from insufficient brushing does, too.

These scenarios may seem trivial. But, remember: leaving your trays out for just five hours hinders the effectiveness of the aligners. In the same way, leaving your tray misaligned for hours due to food debris does the same thing.

For the system to work, you must brush and floss after every meal. And you should also brush after snacks and even beverages (excluding water).

6. Use Invisalign Aligners to Whiten Teeth

When you brush, use whitening toothpaste. The Invisalign trays prevent the whitening agents in the toothpaste from rinsing off of your teeth. As a result, your teeth will look significantly whiter when the Invisalign treatment is over.

7. Follow Post-Treatment Instructions

By the end of the Invisalign treatment, patients are understandably eager to stop wearing their aligners. However, completing your aligner schedule does not mean that the treatment is finished.

Unfortunately, this assumption is far too common. And it often results in a partial or full reversal of the treatment.

You see, you still need to check with your orthodontist to confirm that your alignment is, in fact, corrected. There are also post-treatment instructions to follow.

Most importantly, you’ll probably need to wear a retainer. This keeps your teeth from reverting to a misaligned state. In any case, make sure you follow your orthodontist’s post-treatment instructions.

Remember These Tips For Living With Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces are extremely effective and convenient as long as you do your part. Keep this list so that you remember to follow these important steps.

Are Invisalign braces right for you? Go here to learn more about Invisalign treatment.