Invisalign has taken the world of modern dentistry by storm! These awesome aligners are able to correct crooked teeth in a subtle and discreet manner—and compared to traditional braces, they’re much easier to wear! That said, some patients still struggle to stay on track with their treatment progress; after all, wearing your aligners every day is a big commitment. If you’ve noticed yourself struggling lately, here are four tips that can help you get back on track to ensure that your treatment is able to deliver your new smile right on schedule.
Tip #1: Follow the 22-Hour Rule
Even though your Invisalign trays are removable, you still need to be wearing them for the majority of the time! Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into a proper position, so if you aren’t wearing your trays regularly, your teeth won’t shift as intended. You should wear your trays for 22 hours every day, only removing them to eat or brush your teeth—sticking to this rule is crucial. Apps like Tray Minder can assist you with this, too.
Tip #2: Properly Care for Your Aligners
Your aligners are actually quite fragile and can be easily dirtied, so it’s very important to take care of them when they’re outside of your mouth. Make sure you’re rinsing your aligners with lukewarm (not hot) water or Invisalign-friendly cleaners. If you aren’t cleaning or wearing your aligners, they should be stored in their storage case for safe keeping. Don’t make the big mistake of damaging or losing your trays; it will hurt your treatment progress and your wallet.
Tip #3: Change Your Trays on Time
An important part of your Invisalign treatment is being sure to advance to your next set of trays when it’s the right time—not any sooner or later. As you progress through your treatment, you’ll have new sets of trays to wear that are straighter to match your teeth’s progress. Your dentist will inform you when to swap to your next set of trays; it’s often advised that you do this at night, so that you’re sleeping through the initial discomfort of wearing new trays.
Tip #4: Use Invisalign Chewies
Let’s face it—even though Invisalign is convenient, it’s still a hassle to pop your trays in and out, especially if they’re stubborn about sitting correctly. You can consider chewing on some Invisalign chewies for a few minutes after placing your aligners in to ensure that they’re snug and properly seated against your teeth.
If you feel like you’re starting to slack with wearing your Invisalign trays, don’t panic! There’s still time to turn things around and following these tips can ensure that your trays ultimately do their job and straighten your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Jack Markusen received his dental doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina School of Dentistry and has been practicing dentistry for over 40 years. Dr. Markusen is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. His practice is pleased to offer many available services including Invisalign. If you have any questions about Invisalign or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact Dr. Markusen through his practice’s website or over the phone: (843) 916-0990.