Are you just starting or getting ready to start Invisalign? Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth using clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth. These trays, called aligners, are designed to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. Many patients are choosing Invisalign because it is discreet, comfortable, and convenient.
This guide on what to expect in the first days of Invisalign should help.
Getting Started
At the start of your treatment you will receive a complete set of aligners that you will need to reach the desired end result. You will be instructed to wear each aligner for about 2 weeks before switching to the next one. All you have to do is follow the instructions for wearing your aligners and you’ll have a successful treatment.
Managing Discomfort
The biggest challenge in the first days of Invisalign is getting used to your aligners. Your teeth are not used to being moved and shifted around, so for the first few days up to a week you may experience some discomfort. Your mouth may feel sore in your jaw and gums as the support structures begin to loosen up and allow your teeth to move. Your tongue may also feel sore from rubbing against the edges of your aligners.
In the first week it can help to take over the counter pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). If you develop any mouth sores it can help to rinse your mouth with salt water a few times a day. It won’t take long before your mouth gets used to your aligners and your discomfort subsides. You may feel mild discomfort the first day you switch to a new aligner each time, but it is much more mild than what you may experience in the first week.
Invisalign May Affect Your Speech
With your aligners in, you may notice that your speech is slightly affected. You may have a slight lisp you didn’t have before or some other mild changes. This is likely only temporary. These effects subside as you get used to wearing your aligners and talking with them in. You do need to wear your aligners as much as possible, up to 22 hours a day, so you will quickly learn how to speak with them in.
Taking Your Aligners In and Out
There is a right and wrong way to put your aligners in and take them out. In order to put an aligner in, you should first push it onto the front teeth with your fingers, then push the back portion onto your molars. Always use your hands to put your retainers in and avoid biting them into place.
When you take them out, use your finger to pull the aligner off your back teeth on one side, then the other. This should loosen it enough to remove it with your hands. Avoid using your tongue to remove your aligners as this could irritate your tongue. Always store them in the provided Invisalign case when you are not wearing them to prevent accidental loss or damage.
Cleaning Your Aligners
When you wear them every day, your aligners can quickly become dirty and covered in bacteria. Brush them whenever you brush your teeth, preferably in the morning and at night, using a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. When you are not at home, it is best to rinse them off with water before putting them in the case. Establishing a good cleaning routine in the first week will make it easier to keep up with as you go.
Arrowhead Dental Associates is a Certified Invisalign Provider
Are you looking for an Invisalign provider? Arrowhead Dental Associates is a certified Invisalign provider, meaning we have the training and experience to provide Invisalign treatment to our patients.
Call 401-364-6300 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you transform your smile.