Thinking about getting Invisalign to straighten your smile? Or maybe you’ve already started your Invisalign treatment and want to make the process a little smoother?
Invisalign is a fantastic way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of metal braces. The clear, removable aligners make it easy to go about your day without drawing attention to your treatment.
But as convenient as Invisalign is, there are a few challenges that come with it. The good news is that we’ve got you covered!
In this post, we’ll share 12 simple yet effective hacks to make your Invisalign journey smoother and more comfortable.
Getting Invisalign in Preston
Ready to start your Invisalign journey and achieve the smile you’ve always wanted? You should schedule an appointment with us at Holly Dental Practice.
We specialise in providing expert Invisalign treatments in Preston.
Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to get started, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Now, let’s show you some hacks that can make the journey a breeze for you!
12 Invisalign Hacks to Make Your Treatment Much Easier
#1: Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day
This might be one of the most important rules for getting the best results with Invisalign!
To ensure your teeth move as planned, you need to wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours each day. That means only removing them when eating, drinking anything other than water, or brushing your teeth.
It might seem tough at first, but the more consistent you are, the faster and more effective your treatment will be.
Set reminders on your phone if you need to, and stick with it – your future smile will thank you!
#2: Use chewies for seating your aligners
If your aligners aren’t properly seated on your teeth, they won’t do their job effectively. That’s where chewies come in!
These little silicone cylinders are designed to help your aligners fit snugly over your teeth. Just bite down on a chewy for a few minutes after putting your aligners in, and they’ll help ensure your trays are sitting properly.
This is an easy hack to make sure your treatment stays on track and that your teeth move as planned.
#3: Keep your aligners clean
Keeping your aligners clean is essential for both your oral hygiene and the overall effectiveness of your treatment.
Dirty aligners can build up bacteria, leading to bad breath and even gum issues. A simple rinse with lukewarm water every time you take them out and before you put them back in can make a huge difference.
Once a day, give them a deeper clean with a mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals – just avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic. Clean aligners mean a healthier, more pleasant treatment experience.
#4: Drink plenty of water
Drinking lots of water is not only great for your overall health, but it’s also key when you’re wearing Invisalign.
Water helps rinse away any food particles or bacteria that may get trapped between your teeth and aligners. Staying hydrated also prevents dry mouth, which can be common when wearing aligners.
Remember to stick to water when your aligners are in, as sugary or acidic drinks can lead to staining and damage to both your teeth and the aligners themselves. So keep that water bottle handy!
#5: Change Invisalign aligners at night
One of the best tricks to make switching to a new set of aligners more comfortable is to change them at night.
By popping in a new set before you go to bed, you give your teeth several hours to adjust while you’re asleep. This can help reduce any initial discomfort that comes with the tighter fit of new aligners.
When you wake up, your mouth will have had time to adapt, making the transition smoother and less painful.
Don’t’ know how to remove Invisalign aligners? We’ve got you covered too!
#6: Avoid sugary and acidic foods
While you’re wearing Invisalign, it’s important to steer clear of sugary and acidic foods and drinks when your aligners are in.
These can lead to plaque build-up and tooth decay, especially when trapped between your teeth and the aligners. Even if you remove your aligners to eat, try to rinse or brush your teeth afterward to avoid letting those sugars and acids linger on your teeth.
It’s a small habit that can prevent bigger problems down the road, keeping your smile healthy and your treatment on track.
#7: Practice speaking at home
Wearing aligners can feel a bit odd at first, and you might notice a slight lisp when you talk. Don’t worry – this is totally normal and goes away as your mouth gets used to the aligners.
A great hack is to practice speaking at home, especially if you’ve just started Invisalign.
Read aloud, sing, or chat with family and friends to get comfortable faster. The more you speak with your aligners in, the quicker your mouth will adapt, and any lisp will disappear in no time.
#8: Keep a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you
Brushing after every meal is key when you’re wearing Invisalign, and having a travel toothbrush and toothpaste handy makes this easy, no matter where you are.
This ensures that food particles don’t get stuck under your aligners, which could lead to bad breath or decay.
By keeping a travel kit with you, you can quickly clean your teeth before popping your aligners back in, making sure both your teeth and aligners stay fresh and clean throughout the day.
To learn more about how to manage your invialign while travelling, you can check out this comprehensive post about Traveling with Invisalign.
#9: Use orthodontic wax for discomfort
If your aligners are causing any discomfort or rubbing against your gums or cheeks, orthodontic wax can be a lifesaver.
You can easily apply a small amount of wax to the edges of your aligners where they feel sharp or uncomfortable.
This creates a smooth barrier that prevents irritation, making it much more comfortable to wear your aligners throughout the day.
It’s a quick and simple way to stay pain-free during your Invisalign treatment.
#10: Always use your Invisalign case
One of the easiest ways to avoid losing or damaging your aligners is by always keeping them in their case when not in use.
It might seem convenient to place them in a napkin or on the table while eating, but this is a surefire way to accidentally throw them away or lose them.
Keep your Invisalign case with you at all times, and make it a habit to store your aligners in it whenever you remove them. Trust me, this will save you from some major headaches!
#11: Never throw away an old aligner
Always hold onto your previous set of aligners, even after switching to a new one. If your current aligners break or get lost, you’ll have a backup to wear while waiting for replacements.
Wearing the previous set helps maintain your progress and prevents your teeth from shifting back. It’s a great way to stay on track without any unnecessary delays in your treatment.
#12: Visit your dentist regularly
Regular check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist are essential throughout your Invisalign journey.
Even though Invisalign is designed to be low-maintenance, your dentist will monitor your progress and make sure everything is moving as it should.
These visits are important for adjusting your treatment plan if needed and catching any potential issues early.
Plus, they’re a great opportunity to ask any questions and get advice to make your treatment as smooth as possible!
Achieve the Best Results with Our Invisalign Treatment
At Holly Dental Practice, we’re here to help you achieve the best possible results with your Invisalign treatment.
Whether you’re just starting or already on your journey, our experienced team will guide you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.
Contact us today and let’s work together to create your perfect smile!
