While many of us dream of life when Invisalign aligners are the norm, we’re not quite there yet. Adults who want clear teeth and straight teeth may wonder how they can wear their aligners without drawing attention to them.
Braces are a major milestone in life. Most of us could attest to that. How can you shift your mindset when it comes to bracing yourself and others?
Here’s everything you need to know about wearing Invisalign.
1. Wear Your Aligners as Directed
Wearing Invisalign aligners, as directed by your doctor, is essential for achieving your desired results in the quickest time. To properly use Invisalign aligners, it’s important to wear them at least 20 to 22 hours per day and clean them regularly.
This is usually provided by your doctor. Also, be sure to wear your aligners as they are designed, particularly when eating and drinking, as well as brushing and flossing. Finally, be prepared to change your aligners as directed (usually every two weeks).
2. Clean Your Aligners
When you’re wearing Invisalign aligners, it is important to keep them clean. This is an important part of dental care. Cleaning your aligners helps to reduce staining, prevent the accumulation of bacteria and other plaque, and ensure your aligners remain comfortable in your mouth.
Below are some of the tips to help you clean your aligners. Let’s have a look at them!
Place Your Aligners in a Denture Cleaning Solution
One of the best and most important tips is to place the aligners in a denture-cleaning solution after they are removed. You can also place your aligners in a mixture of water and vinegar, and soak them for 15 minutes.
This will help reduce the bacterial build-up on the aligners, keep them clean, and reduce any odor. To further ensure that the aligners stay hygienic, it is important to rinse them off before placing them back in the mouth.
Rinse Them With Running Water
Rinsing your Invisalign aligners with running water is a must for good oral hygiene and comfort. As the aligners are not permanent and often come into contact with your food, it’s important to remember to rinse them throughout the day.
To do this, simply remove the aligners from your mouth, run them through cool water, and use a soft brush to brush away any food particles.
Taking this step will ensure that food particles and bacteria don’t get trapped between the aligners and your teeth. Also, it will make wearing the aligners more comfortable, as saliva and food can become lodged at the back of the aligners and amass, causing soreness and discomfort.
Brush With a Toothbrush and Toothpaste
By brushing your aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste regularly, you can keep them clear of accumulated plaque and bacteria. This will help your aligners stay fresh and odor free, ensuring that you don’t give anyone a bad impression when you smile.
Also, if you brush your aligners regularly, it can help your progress in your treatment.
Soak Them in Mouthwash
Having your mouthwash on hand is key for both cleaning and protecting your Aligners, as it helps break down plaque and prevents the buildup of any bacteria.
To soak your aligners in mouthwash, simply fill a small container with mouthwash and leave your Aligners in the soak for 10-20 minutes. This will ensure adequate sterilization between wearing cycles.
3. Keep a Case Handy
It is important to always keep a case handy when wearing Invisalign aligners. Aligners should be removed when eating and taking part in any activities such as recreational sports or even brushing teeth and flossing. Having a case handy can help to ensure your aligners are placed somewhere safe and clean between uses.
You should not place aligners directly on surfaces such as tables or countertops. It is also recommended to avoid exposing them to heat sources such as boiling water, microwaves, dishwashers, and other sources of heat.
Keeping a case handy can help keep your aligners clean and protected when not in use and make sure you are always one-step closer to having the smile you’ve always wanted.
4. Put New Aligner Trays in at Bedtime
This step can significantly reduce the discomfort associated with transitioning to a new tray. As such, it’s important to always have a spare aligner tray handy, so that you can replace it without having to wait.
Before switching to a new tray, be sure to rinse and brush your teeth, then soak your aligner tray in room temperature water for 10-15 minutes in order to make it easier to put in.
5. Talk to Your Orthodontist About Pain Relief
It is important to talk to your Orthodontist about pain relief when wearing Invisalign aligners. Your Orthodontist may recommend OTC pain relief medication or a topical analgesic for sensitive areas in your mouth. Make sure to wear your aligners as instructed and even if you experience soreness or discomfort, keep wearing them for the full required time.
6. Keep Track of Your Daily Wear Time
Another important tip for wearing Invisalign aligners is to keep track of your daily wear time. You should plan to wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours each day, and that means making sure to keep track of when you are wearing them and when you are taking them out.
It’s a good idea to keep a timer or watch nearby to track when you first put in your aligners each morning and when you are taking them out for meals or to brush and floss.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
In order to get the most successful results during your Invisalign treatment, it is important to follow the tips for wearing the aligners.
As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect,” and following the proper guidelines for wearing the aligners will ensure that you get the best end results. This also means that investing in an Invisalign treatment can be worthwhile.
Learn More Tips When Wearing Invisalign Today
Regular brushing and rinsing of Invisalign aligners is essential for good hygiene. Remember to wear them for at least 22 hours for best results.
Don’t forget to continue seeing your orthodontist for regular checkups! Start wearing Invisalign today and share your journey with your friends!
