Wearing and Caring for Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign aligners are ideal for individuals who wish to avoid drawing attention to their dental work. These transparent, removable aligners are a comfortable and effective method of orthodontic treatment in comparison with traditional metal braces. This blog will focus on the correct ways of wearing and taking care of the Invisalign aligner to have the best treatment results and improve oral health.  

How to Wear Invisalign Aligners Correctly 

The proper wearing of Invisalign aligners is very important to optimize the outcome of the treatment plan and minimize any complications. Here are some essential tips to help you wear your Invisalign aligners correctly: 

Inserting Your Aligners 

• Start with Clean Hands: Remember to rinse your hands before putting on your aligners to prevent germs from getting into your mouth. 
• Identify the Top and Bottom Aligners: Every set of aligners has the label for the upper teeth (U) and the lower teeth (L). Ensure it is the right one. 
• Gently Push into Place: Place the tray to fit the teeth and apply pressure with your fingers to set it properly. Begin at the front, then take your thumbs and slide the aligners back as far as you can to the molars, and they will click in. 

Removing Your Aligners 

• Start from the Back: With your fingers, try to remove the aligners from the back of your mouth by pulling one molar at a time on each side. 
• Avoid Force: Do not use harsh chemicals to clean the aligners because they can cause scratches on the surface. In case you are facing any difficulty, you can use the aligner removal tool. 
• Clean Hands: Always wash your hands before handling the aligners for cleaning purposes to avoid bacterial infection. 

Tips for Comfort and Fit 

It is important to note that getting used to the Invisalign aligners may take some time, particularly in the initial stages. However, there are several things that you should know and do to maximize the comfort and fit of dental braces. The following tips will help you cope with the initial discomfort, ensure the appliance is secure, and make wearing Invisalign as comfortable as possible. 

Managing Initial Discomfort 

• Expect Some Soreness: Some pain or tenderness in the gum area is quite common, especially when you are just starting your Invisalign treatment or when you change to a new set of aligners. This is a sign that the aligners are exerting force on your teeth and, therefore, causing them to shift. 
• Cold Compresses: You can apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to alleviate the swelling and soreness of your lips. 
• Soft Foods: It is advisable to continue with a soft diet during the first days of wearing dental appliances to avoid further pressure on the teeth. 

Ensuring a Proper Fit 

• Use Aligner Chewies: Aligner chewies are small cushion-like objects in the form of cylinders that are used to ensure proper placement of the aligners on the teeth. Place your aligners and bite on a chewie for a few minutes to achieve a comfortable fit. 
• Wear Them Consistently: Proper fit is important, and that is why it is necessary to wear it for a long period of time. If you take out your aligners more frequently or for very long durations, they may not fit as tightly as before. 
• Keep Track of Your Aligners: It is recommended that the aligners be worn only during meals and removed for cleaning and other activities. They should also be stored in the case provided to prevent warping or damage that could compromise the fit. 

Eating and Drinking with Invisalign  

Another advantage of using Invisalign aligners is that they can be easily removed, and this means that you can eat your favorite foods and even consume your favorite drinks without many limitations, as is the case with traditional braces. However, there are certain rules and regulations that you must follow to maintain the aligners’ health and efficiency of the treatment plan. 

The foods and drinks that you should Avoid  

• Avoid Eating with Aligners In: It is recommended to take off your aligners before having any meal. Eating while wearing the aligners is also problematic as they can be damaged by the chewing process, and food can also become trapped on the teeth, which can result in tooth decay. 
• Limit Sugary and Acidic Drinks: Soda, juice, and sports drinks are some of the drinks that are very destructive to the teeth and also affect the color of the aligners. If you do consume these, ensure that you clean your teeth before wearing your aligners again. 
• Steer Clear of Hot Liquids: A cup of coffee, tea or any hot beverage will cause the plastic of your aligners to melt. It is also important to wear your aligners while eating and drinking, but, you should take out the aligners when taking hot drinks. 
• Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Sticky or hard foods are bad for your teeth and aligners as particles can remain stuck on them after reinsertion. 

Best Practices for Eating and Drinking 

• Remove Aligners Before Eating or Drinking: Never drink anything other than water with your aligners in your mouth because they are not meant to be worn at the same time as food. This assists in protecting them from further damage and also ensures that they remain clean. 
• Brush and Floss After Meals: It is advisable to clean your teeth after using the aligners to remove any food particles that may be stuck on them and avoid the formation of plaque. 
• Rinse Your Aligners: After that, you should gently clean your aligners with water to ensure that they are clean and ready for use. Do not use hot water to rinse your mouth because this will warp your aligners. 
• Stay Hydrated with Water: In addition to water, it is advisable to take other liquids in between meals. It is also crucial to note that water is harmless when you have your aligners in, and it keeps your mouth clean and moist. 

Brushing and Flossing Tips 

• Brush After Every Meal: To minimize food particles and plaque from being lodged between the teeth and the aligners, make sure to brush your teeth well after every meal or snack. If you cannot brush, spit out the food and rinse your mouth with water until you can brush it off. 
• Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste makes your teeth stronger and less vulnerable to the effects of cavities. Remember to brush for not less than two minutes, making sure that all aspects of the teeth are reached. 
• Floss Daily: The process of flossing is important to ensure that you clear all food particles and plaque from between your teeth and the gum line. It is also recommended to use the dental floss or interdental brushes to ensure that all the areas are covered. 
• Consider a Water Flosser: A water flosser is also good to use in your dental hygiene regime if you have not been able to use the traditional nylon floss. This incorporates the use of water to rinse off the debris and plaque between the teeth and along the gum line. 

Importance of oral hygiene during the treatment  

• Preventing Cavities: In addition, the particles of food and plaque can be trapped between the aligners and the teeth, which is a perfect condition for bacteria to develop into cavities. 
• Avoiding Gum Disease: Regular dental hygiene avoids the formation of plaque on the teeth, which leads to inflammation of the gums and periodontal disease. 
• Maintaining Fresh Breath: It is good to clean teeth and aligners to avoid cases of bad breath resulting from food particles and bacterial formation. 

Contact your Danville dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD, at Danville Orthodontics to learn more about the wearing and caring for Invisalign Aligners.

Resource:

Invisalign: Evolution of Braces

*Neither this nor any other content in this media is meant to prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. We highly suggest that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.