Recently, I started my Invisalign treatment which you can read about here. Whether you’re researching or if you’ve started your journey, here are some Invisalign tips that I’ve learned along the way to make your treatment easier.
Invisalign Tip #1: Switch your new aligners before bed
Switch your aligners right before bed so your teeth can adjust to the aligners while you sleep. Soreness is usually the most noticeable a couple of hours after putting in newaligners. People also suggest taking painkillers and melatonin before bed so you sleep peacefully through the night.
Invisalign Tip #2: Travel with a soft bristle travel toothbrush and easy flossers
You are expected to wear clear aligners for 22 hours a day. This means you only take out your aligners when you eat or drink (anything besides water). Afterwards, you’re supposed to brush your teeth after every meal which is not always the most convenient. I carry around a travel toothbrush and these awesome biodegradable cornstarch floss sticks with me everywhere to make it easier to remember. Brushing and flossing is important so food and debris do not sit in your aligners, causing tooth decay. Your teeth will be sensitive so I recommend a soft bristle toothbrush. I bring my favorite Quip toothbrush because it’s gentle but effective and comes with a clear travel cover. In case you don’t know about Quip toothbrushes – read our Quip review here.
Invisalign Tip #3: Use orthodontic wax
Many people complain about the aligner edges causing painful sores. You can ask a dentist to file the edges down but since you need a new set every week, this might not be worth it. Instead, use orthodontic wax to relieve areas where the aligners are chafing.
Invisalign Tip #4: Keep your previous set of aligners
Keep the previous set of aligners when you switch to a new set just in case something happens with your new set and you need to have a replacement set sent over. In the meantime, you’ll need our old aligners to keep your teeth from shifting back.
Invisalign Tip #5: Use aligner chewies and mints
These chewies come highly recommended by providers to help you better set your aligners in place. Since you won’t be able to chew gum during your treatment, these chewies are a replacement and they come in mint flavor! They can be reused and rinsed for a few times per set.
I also recommend Movemints which are sugar-free mints that keep your mouth fresh and help set your aligners in place. They are less of a choking hazard than chewies too!
Invisalign Tip #6: Clean your retainers with retainer cleaning tablets
No matter how often you brush your teeth and retainers, they will get funky. I use Retainer Brite and a retainer cleaner to help keep my aligners and my mouth feeling fresh. The tablets help remove plaque and brightens your aligners. After your treatment is done, you are supposed to wear night-time retainers indefinitely. Considering how many years you have left to enjoy your smile and the fact that you only get one set of permanent retainers after treatment, a retainer cleaner is worth the investment.
As you go through this journey, keep in mind why you decided to get treatment in the first place! I hope my tips and tricks for clear aligners helps! I would love to hear about your experience in the comments.
