Are you excited about getting the smile you’ve always wanted with Invisalign? These clear aligners are a great option for busy teens and adults who want a straighter, healthier smile without all the restrictions and discomforts of a mouthful of metal. However, Invisalign aligners come with their own set of changes you’ll need to adjust to. Here are six tips to help you breeze through your first week of clear braces and start your journey to a straighter smile off on the right foot.
1.) Be Patient with Yourself When Speaking
As your mouth adjusts to the presence of this new dental device, you may develop small changes in your speaking patterns, like a slight lisp. While this may feel frustrating or embarrassing at first, rest assured that it’s a perfectly normal side effect of the process that should subside within several days. Be patient with yourself and you’ll be speaking confidently again in no time.
2.) Prevent Gum and Tongue Irritation
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners have no poking wires or rough brackets that can scrape against the insides of your lips and cheeks. However, some people initially find the edges of their aligners uncomfortable against their gums and tongue. In these cases, you can use a bit of dental wax along the edges until your soft tissues get used to it.
3.) Naturally Relive Discomfort with Chewing Exercises
Any method of shifting teeth into a new position, including Invisalign, will be slightly uncomfortable. While you can use over-the-counter painkillers to treat your symptoms, you can naturally ease the pain and help your mouth adjust with the help of chewing exercises from your dentist. These exercises will promote circulation in your jaw to mitigate discomfort as well as encourage the straightening process.
4.) Keep Track of Your “Wear Time”
For the best results, your new aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours at day. Since you’ll be removing them several times a day for meals, sports, and special social occasions, it can be easy to lose track of time. Be sure to record your “wear time” on a piece of paper, your phone, or an app to make sure you’re wearing your aligners long enough every day.
5.) Remove and Insert Your Invisalign Aligners Carefully
Improperly taking your aligners out and putting them back in can damage or break them. To remove the aligner, gently use your fingertip or a tool like the OrthoKey to pull the back of your aligner off your molars. When you’re ready to reinsert them, slide them over your front teeth before applying even pressure on each side to snap them back onto your molars. With enough practice, you’ll be safely moving your aligners without a second thought.
6.) Learn to Love Your Travel Toothbrush
If food particles become trapped between your aligners and your teeth, they can quickly cause cavities, aligner discoloration, and even bad breath. To prevent this, always keep a small toothbrush with you to use right after enjoying a beverage or meal. This will keep both your teeth and your aligners looking bright and fresh.
Although your new clear aligners may seem strange at first, they’ll become a normal part of your everyday life within a few weeks. Use these six practical tips as you adjust to your Invisalign clear braces and you’ll be well on your way to a straighter, healthier smile in no time.
About the Practice
If you’re looking for the best way to get the straighter smile you’ve always wanted, look no further than Byars Dental in Kansas City, MO. Dr. Michael C. Byars has completed several courses of continuing education, including Invisalign Clear Essentials. This additional training allows him to effectively and efficiently help you achieve the smile of your dreams. If you’d like to know more about Invisalign, feel free to contact him at his website or at (816) 781-8222.