How to Adjust to Invisalign® With Ease

You’re ready to start your Invisalign® journey. Congratulations! Before long, you’ll be enjoying straighter teeth and a more beautiful smile, not to mention greater confidence and improved oral health, too.

Based on years of scientific advancements, Invisalign aligners are known for being comfortable. But like any type of oral appliance, they can take some time to get used to — especially the way they feel.

At Lovely Smiles Orthodontics in Richmond, Texas, Nicole Thompson, DMD, helps her patients get the most from their Invisalign experience, including helping them adjust to their aligners as quickly as possible. Here are six tips you can use to adjust to your new aligners, so you can focus all your thoughts on your beautiful “future smile.”

1. Wear your aligners as often as directed

Invisalign aligners are meant to be worn for 20-22 hours a day in order to work the way they’re supposed to. That means if you’re not eating a meal or brushing or flossing your teeth, your aligners should be in your mouth. Wearing them less than 20-22 hours a day means your treatment can take longer, plus it will take longer to adjust to the way the aligners feel in your mouth.

2. Start with soft foods

Like any orthodontic appliance, Invisalign aligners can make your gums a little sensitive at first. Opting for softer foods, like yogurts, oatmeal, and soups, avoids gum irritation and helps you adjust more quickly.

3. Get used to your meal routine

One of the benefits of Invisalign compared with traditional braces is that there are no food restrictions — you can eat whatever you want, including corn on the cob. However, you do need to remember to take your aligners out before eating — and that includes snacks.

Chewing and biting can bend or damage your aligners, which means you’ll need to come in for a repair. It also significantly increases the risk of stains, which will make your aligners visible while you’re wearing them.

4. Carry your aligner case — and use it

Speaking of meals, when you remove your aligners to eat, place them in their case to keep them safe. Even though it might be tempting to pop them into a purse or pocket, they can wind up getting scratched or bent. Don’t wrap them in a napkin, either, or they might inadvertently wind up in the trash.

5. Practice speaking in front of a mirror

Invisalign aligners won’t affect the way you speak, but because they’ll feel a little different at first, they might make you a little self-conscious. Speaking in front of a mirror helps you feel assured that your teeth and mouth look “normal” while you’re speaking, and it also helps you adjust to the feeling of your aligners more quickly.

6. Avoid abrasive toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes are fine for your teeth, but not for your aligners. Even though the aligner material is durable, most whitening toothpastes contain abrasive materials that can scratch the aligner surface, making them more visible. Instead use hand or dish washing soap to clean your aligners.

Most importantly, if you have any questions or concerns about your aligners or the way they fit or feel, we’re just a phone call away. To learn more about how to get the most from your Invisalign treatment, call 832-219-7687 or book an appointment online with Dr. Thompson and the team at Lovely Smiles Orthodontics today.