With the emergence of Invisalign in Lansdale, patients now have an alternative to the traditional method of correcting bite issues: wearing metal braces. The procedure requires no brackets or wires, and it doesn’t place any restrictions on what can be eaten. Most importantly, though, Invisalign provides patients a way to maintain their normal oral hygiene practices. While these are some attractive features, the initial adjustment process can be a little uncomfortable for some patients. Thankfully, there is help available. Read on to learn about 6 ways to make your first week of wearing Invisalign aligners more pleasant!
#1 – Protect the Tongue
To provide the maximum durability, Invisalign aligners are constructed from high-strength BPA-free plastic. A downside of this, though, is that the edges can irritate the tongue early on in the treatment process and when a new set of trays are first worn. To lessen any discomfort, try applying a small amount of dental wax to the edges.
#2 – Use an Aligner Chewie
While some discomfort early on should be expected, it shouldn’t be ignored. One way to lessen any pain in the teeth and jaw is to perform chewing exercises after reinserting the aligners.
A simple yet effective method is to bite down on an aligner chewie (an orthodontic object used to help the Invisalign aligners settle into position) for around five seconds under different sections of teeth.
#3 – Chew Special Mints
Typically, chewing while wearing Invisalign aligners is forbidden. A rare exception to the rule involves using mints specially-designed for patients with Invisalign. An example is a product called Movemints, which are flavorful sugar-mints that aid in adjusting to Invisalign and fighting dry mouth.
#4 – Monitor the Daily Wear Time
To get the best results from Invisalign, they must be worn at least 22 hours a day. Since most people lead busy lives, it can be hard to keep track of the amount of time the aligners have been worn. That’s wear a mobile app called TrayMinder comes in handy. It’s designed to track the daily wear-time and to send reminders when it’s time to exchange the current set of aligners.
#5 – Properly Remove the Aligners
To prevent any unnecessary mishaps, it’s best to remove the aligners in the safest and most effective manner possible. While many patients will simply use their fingernails to pry the aligners loose, this can sometimes lead to gum abrasions that can become infected.
A product called Orthokey was created specifically to prevent this from happening, using its special hook shape to safely free the aligners.
#6 – Keep the Aligners Clean
Because Invisalign aligners fit tightly, the limited space between them and the teeth can become a prime breeding area for oral bacteria. To prevent any resulting dental health challenges, here is what can be done:
- Rinse the aligners immediately after removing them.
- Gently scrub the aligners using a toothpaste-covered toothbrush.
- After a second rinse, soak them in Retainer Brite, which is a cleaning solution designed specifically for Invisalign aligners.
- Rinse the aligners before reinserting them.
Taking the right steps to maintain your Invisalign aligners will ensure that your smile will be just as healthy as it is attractive. A fresh, new start to your oral health awaits you!
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Foley earned his dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He would then go on to receive his Dental Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. Dr. Foley creates beautiful smiles with Invisalign treatment at Brookwood Dental Associates, and he can be reached for more information through his website.