Top 10 Invisalign Tips

When you want straight teeth, Invisalign is a great option. You wear clear aligners that gradually and gently move your teeth into a new position, without the downsides of braces. Yet it’s important to follow certain practices so your Invisalign aligners can do their job correctly. Follow these 10 tips to get optimal treatment results from wearing Invisalign.

Tip #1 – Wear Them for the Right Number of Hours

If you don’t wear your aligners enough, they won’t have the chance to properly shift your teeth into place. To achieve the best results from your treatment plan and get straight teeth as quickly as possible, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day.

Tip #2 – Follow Your Dentist’s Treatment Plan

Your dentist will create an Invisalign treatment plan with you in the beginning that’s specialized to your needs and goals. For instance, the plan could be adapted to an overbite or an underbite. Following your dentist’s treatment plan will give you best results. This usually means wearing each new set of aligners for one to two weeks.

Tip #3 – Go to Your Scheduled Checkups

During your treatment process, your dentist will schedule checkups with you, likely every six to eight weeks. For your treatment to go as planned, it’s important to attend these checkups. They’ll give the dentist a chance to check on your progress, and you’ll get your new set of aligners and make sure they fit.

Tip #4 – Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums

A main benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. This makes it easy to care for your oral health by thoroughly brushing and flossing. Doing so will help you have a beautiful smile during your treatment and beyond. Simply take out the aligners, brush and floss, and put the aligners back in.

Tip #5 – Have Patience

If you get frustrated by the desire for instant straight teeth, remind yourself of the hard work your teeth are putting in by slowly moving their placement. Remember that you’re on the path to straight teeth by following your treatment plan and that Invisalign often works faster than braces.

Tip #6 – Care for Your Aligners

Just as you care for your teeth and gums, you need to clean your aligners. They’re easy to care for by brushing them with your toothbrush and rinsing them each night. Your dentist can show you techniques for gently cleaning them. For best results, you can also use the Invisalign cleaning system.

Tip #7 – Protect Your Aligners

Your aligners are an investment in your teeth, so make sure to protect them when they’re not in your mouth. You can make sure they stay in good shape by putting them in an aligner case when you remove them. Simply clean them before putting them in the case.

Tip #8 – Communicate With Your Dentist

During treatment, talk to your dentist whenever you have questions or concerns about your aligners. Don’t hesitate to inquire about foods you can eat, how your aligners are feeling, concerns about your progress and anything else on your mind. Open communication and following your dentist’s advice are key to proper treatment and best results.

Tip #9 – Remember That Minor Discomfort Is Normal

It’s normal to feel some discomfort or pressure on your teeth during your treatment, especially when you get each new set of aligners. Remember that this is part of the process of moving your teeth. Keep wearing the aligners, but talk to your dentist if you’re having trouble managing discomfort.

Tip #10 – Enjoy Your Life

Invisalign makes it easy to keep enjoying your life while straightening your teeth. You can continue to eat your favorite foods, be physically active and even make the most of special occasions by temporarily removing your aligners from time to time.

Dr. Langley and our dental team can help you get your best results from your Invisalign clear aligners.