Invisalign is undoubtedly one of the most popular teeth-straightening treatments available. It uses discreet, clear aligners to close gaps in your smile, space out crowded teeth, and create a natural-looking, balanced aesthetic. But how predictable is Invisalign?
Treatment lengths vary, but some things are consistent with Invisalign. The meticulous digital planning before your treatment begins helps to achieve very precise results. However, much of your treatment’s success relies on you and how you manage your treatment.
So, how do you get the best from your teeth-straightening treatment?
In this guide, we’ll share some of the most effective ways to get the smile you’ve always wanted while using Invisalign.
Always Wear Aligners As Instructed
Invisalign creates constant, gentle pressure on your teeth. Every aligner is specifically designed using powerful software to fit your smile only. Unlike traditional fixed braces, we don’t need to adjust your aligner to help progress your treatment. Instead, we’ll completely replace it every two weeks.
It’s important to swap your aligners whenever you get a new one. Wearing an older aligner for too long can slow or impact your treatment outcome. Your new aligner will feel tighter than the last one. Wearing it when you’re sleeping can help you adjust to wearing it.
Wear Your Aligners All the Time
Invisalign creates predictable results. But you’ll only achieve the outcomes we show you in your initial consultation if you wear your aligner. You should aim to wear your aligner for 22 hours each day.
Don’t worry—your aligner is so lightweight and comfortable that you’ll easily forget it’s there. Two hours each day gives you plenty of time to eat, drink, and brush your teeth.
Take Your Aligners Out When Eating
The beauty of Invisalign is that you can take your aligner out. This means that, unlike with fixed braces, you don’t need to think too much about what you eat. Take your aligner out to eat, but always remember to put it back when you’ve finished your meal.
Wearing your aligner while eating could damage or stain it.
Don’t Drink With Your Aligners In
Although it may seem less likely that you’d damage your aligner when drinking, you shouldn’t consume anything other than water without first taking it out.
Hot drinks can stain and warp your aligner, while any sugars or colourings from soft drinks, juices, or alcoholic beverages could impact its clarity and make it less discreet.
Maintain a High Standard of Oral Health
Invisalign won’t impact your hygiene routine. You can simply remove your aligner to brush and floss, so nothing needs to change. Because you’ll wear your aligner all day, every day, there is a risk of trapping bacteria against your teeth. Hygiene becomes ever more important during your treatment.
Take extra time to brush and floss every morning and night. Use fluoride toothpaste, and remember to change your toothbrush often.
Clean Your Aligner
You should clean your aligner every time you brush your teeth. Clean your aligner with liquid soap using a separate toothbrush to remove debris and bacteria, then rinse under lukewarm water.
Use a Case for Your Aligner
You’ll need to take your aligner out several times every day. But where should you put your aligner when it’s not in use?
Using a case keeps your aligner safe and clean. Don’t leave your aligner wrapped in tissue, in your pocket or bag, or anywhere else where it’s likely to pick up bacteria or become misshapen.
Never Let Anyone Else Wear Your Aligner
Friends or family members may be curious about what it feels like to wear an aligner. They may even be considering Invisalign treatment themselves. If anyone asks to try your aligner, don’t allow it.
Your aligner is made for your unique dentition. Their mouth is a different size and shape from yours. If anyone else wears your aligner, it will distort it, affect its effectiveness, and possibly cause damage.
Take Motivational Snapshots
Although you may feel a strong desire to straighten your teeth, months or even years of treatment require commitment. Your teeth are gradually moving, but it’s sometimes hard to spot the slight changes on a daily basis.
Taking regular selfies to chart your progress can help you stay motivated. Whether you post them on social media or keep them saved in a gallery, looking back on your journey can help you stay focused on what’s ahead.
Keep Your Most Recent Aligner
Invisalign is durable, and damaged aligners are rare. But accidents do happen, and when they do, they can impact your progress.
Although it’s important to stick to your treatment plan and wear your aligners in the order we give them, if you lose or break your current aligner, using your most recent one is better than not wearing anything. Your last aligner will at least help retain your progress while we get you back on track.
If you lose or break an aligner, let us know immediately. We may need to provide a replacement for your next aligner.
Talk To Us About Any Issues
Invisalign is known for its comfort and predictability, but if you ever encounter any issues, we’re here to help. While you get used to wearing your aligner, getting used to the force against your teeth can take a little while.
Over-the-counter painkillers can help manage this discomfort, but if you find the pain unbearable or if it doesn’t naturally fade away after a few days, talk to us.
Similarly, contact us if you have any questions or problems. Discussing your concerns is always the best way to stay on track for the best possible outcome. We want you to have a comfortable experience and get the smile you deserve, and we’ll support you however you require.
Invisalign in London
Invisalign is a smile-enhancing treatment that’s much loved for its predictability, comfort, convenience, and subtlety. At The London Smile Clinic, we’re here to help you get the best from your treatment journey.
Contact us today to schedule your Invisalign appointment.
