Invisalign is the newest way of straightening your teeth without the hassle of metal braces and brackets. Invisalign on average takes less time than the old fashion braces and it costs less money as well. One of the best things about Invisalign is that they are removable retainers that you can hardly notice. When you decide to do Invisalign you are making a commitment because you will be wearing your clear aligners for the recommended time of 22 hours a day. It takes some getting used to, but is well worth it in the end. Here are 4 tips to help you with your first week of Invisalign.
1. Treat your discomfort. When you wear your clear aligners at first, they can cause some discomfort. Your clear aligners are forcing your teeth into their ideal position. By doing this you may experience some pain in your teeth and jaw area. We recommend some chewing exercises a few times a day and every time you put your trays back in. This can help pain relief by acting as a massage effect for your gums, stimulating nutrient-rich blood flow to your mouth. The blood flow acts as a natural pain reliever.
2. Protect your tongue. The plastic edges of your aligners may aggravate you at first. Tongue sores are common in the early stages of your transformation. A great tip is to learn how to use dental wax to cover up any sharp edges or rough spots. Take a small pinch of wax, roll it up and place it on the area that is giving you problems. If it is still bothering you ask your dentist and they will be happy to help you get out of any discomfort.
3. Keep track of your daily wear time. It can be tough at first to adjust to your new lifestyle with your Invisalign trays, but it’s important to know how long you’re wearing your trays. You can extend your treatment if you don’t follow the dentists recommended time of wearing your trays 22 hours a day.
4. Keep your trays clean and clear. It’s easy to cheat when you’re in Invisalign. You can be drinking that coffee or enjoying a glass of white wine with your trays in. It isn’t the worst thing you can do, but if you make it a habit you can stain your teeth. When you notice your trays are getting a little funky looking you should clean them by lightly brushing them with your toothbrush or soaking them in water.
The most important thing with Invisalign is sticking to a routine. Use these tips when you start your Invisalign journey and then find what works best for your routine and stick with it until your treatment is finished. Good habits are crucial when relieving any Invisalign discomfort and achieving your perfect smile. If you are not happy with your smile and you think Invisalign can be the answer, give us a call at 215-568-6222 and we will be happy to give you a free new patient consultation to see if Invisalign is the best option for you. While you’re here we will even do a free iTero Invisalign scan so you can see what your teeth will look like after Invisalign, before you even start the process! Also take advantage of our January monthly special, free Apple AirPods and free teeth whitening with your purchase of Invisalign! It’s the start of a new year which means new beginnings so, get that smile you always wanted with Invisalign.