Top 10 Invisalign® Hacks
Invisalign continues to grow in popularity amongst teens and adults looking to restore their smiles comfortably and discreetly. The sleek, unnoticeable trays keep this orthodontic treatment nearly invisible.
At Lund Orthodontics, we treat a multitude of smiles, and are experts in Invisalign care. Below, we instruct you on standard practices to keep your Invisalign treatment as smooth and easy as possible.
For more information on smile transformation, contact Lund Orthodontics today!
1. Carry A Travel Dental Kit
While wearing Invisalign, dental care becomes extremely important. Brushing your teeth and flossing after every meal keeps bacteria from building up in your teeth and alignment trays.
A small travel dental kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss will help you maintain dental hygiene and success.
2. Keep Your Case With You At All Times
We know our patients love that Invisalign trays conveniently ease in and out of your mouth, allowing you to eat and drink whatever you want during Invisalign treatment. However, patients commonly misplace their trays. Taking your case with you at all times reduces the chance of losing your trays.
Make traveling with your cases part of your routine by placing them with necessary items like your keys or phone.
3. Soak Trays While You Eat
Keeping your trays clean ensures a healthy treatment. When you remove your Invisalign trays to eat, soak them in a dentist-approved cleaning solution. (Avoid colored mouthwashes to keep your trays from staining.) Soaking your trays regularly will prevent cavities, bacteria, and bad breath.
4. Set A Timer When You Remove Your Trays
We know you want a well-adjusted smile as soon as possible, so wear your trays as often as possible to ensure consistent smile improvement. Orthodontists recommend wearing your Invisalign trays 20-22 hours a day. If you have trouble replacing your trays after eating, set a timer on your watch or phone as an extra reminder.
5. Switch Trays Before Sleep
Invisalign uses a set of trays to place gentle forces on your teeth and position them more appropriately for a healthy and beautiful smile.
After wearing a set of trays for a few weeks, you will need to wear new trays to keep your teeth adjusting. Our team at Lund Orthodontics recommends swapping to new trays before you sleep. Because the new trays may feel tight, sleeping through the adjustment period allows you to feel less discomfort. Your teeth also benefit from uninterrupted adjustments while you sleep.
6. Keep Your Old Trays
Removable Invisalign trays conveniently allow you to eat and drink without bulky brackets restricting your diet. However, patients sometimes lose their trays. If you keep your old trays handy, wear those while you wait to receive a replacement tray. Wearing your old trays keeps your teeth stable until the new aligners arrive. If you go too long without trays, your teeth may revert to their old positioning.
7. Use A Nail File On Rough Edges
At Lund Orthodontics, we take x-rays of your teeth to precisely shape your Invisalign trays to your unique smile. The custom-fit trays occasionally feel sharp against gums and more sensitive areas in the mouth.
Using a nail file to round off the harsh edges lightly keeps your mouth comfortable during treatment. Be careful when using a nail file on your trays; too much filing can misshape the trays and stall your smile’s progress.
8. Practice Speaking
Invisalign trays take up very little extra space on your teeth, but you may need to practice speaking to get used to the new materials in your mouth.
Lisping occasionally occurs as you adjust to your first set or a new set of Invisalign trays. Over time, you should adapt to the trays and speak with ease. If you still struggle with lisping after a few weeks of wearing the trays, contact Lund Orthodontics to determine if you need to re-fit your Invisalign trays.
9. Use A Removal Tool
Removal tools allow you to gently remove your Invisalign trays without using the tips of your fingers. They are especially beloved by folks who enjoy manicures or dislike sticking their fingertips in their mouth.
10. Get Some Chewies
Invisalign treatment should be as comfortable as possible.
When you first adjust to wearing Invisalign, you might feel a space between the bottom of your teeth and your aligners. Invisalign patients often use chewies (gauze rolls) to help Invisalign feel more connected to their teeth. Biting on a chewy helps position and secure your trays properly.
Learn More About Invisalign Hacks During a Free Consultation!
Invisalign offers nearly imperceptible orthodontic treatment to teens and adults. Patients experience comfort and ease while adjusting their teeth to optimal positioning. If you follow the tips above, your teeth will thank you.
To find out more about Invisalign, contact the experts at Lund Orthodontics. We provide lasting smiles to many patients, and we want to help you achieve the healthiest and best smile possible.
