The good news is that Invisalign® doesn’t really take a lot of adjusting to – there is certainly less adjustment time needed compared with metal braces! But you are going to have to get used to the sensation of having a plastic tray in your mouth all the time, and you will have to make sure to do a few things for success with Invisalign. Here are some tips to help you adjust.
Get in the Habit of Having Good Habits
Your dentist will give you specific instructions to follow, but here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure you wear them enough. If you are having trouble getting used to having a plastic tray in your mouth, you may be tempted to leave it out more than you should. Or maybe you take your tray out to enjoy a meal and then think it won’t hurt to leave it out a little longer once the meal is through. However, the more you leave your tray in, the faster you will get used to it and the more effective it will be.
- Don’t forget your case! Make sure to take your case along when you go out for dinner or drinks so that you have a safe place to store your tray. You don’t want to lose it or accidentally throw it away!
- An over-the-counter pain reliever can help with discomfort. Your trays are meant to gradually move your teeth into a new position, and this can be a bit uncomfortable. This discomfort is only temporary (you may notice it when you change to a new aligner), and it can be managed with ibuprofen or another pain reliever.
- Keep them clean. Invisalign trays require very little maintenance. To keep them clean, make sure to remove them before eating or drinking (unless you are drinking water), rinse your aligner with water before you insert it, and brush your aligner once or twice a day gently with a wet, soft-bristled tooth brush (you don’t need to use toothpaste).
Are you considering Invisalign? Contact Lerner & Lemongello in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, to see if it’s the right solution for you. Call (561) 627-9000 for an appointment today!