Invisalign Tips and Tricks For Great Results

For decades, there was only one option for orthodontic treatment. Thankfully, advancements in orthodontics have enabled us to provide an alternative to traditional metal braces. No more “metal mouth” and hard-to-clean wires and brackets. Invisalign treatments are virtually invisible and easy to maintain, which makes them the clear choice for correcting your smile.

At Dr. Pratt Manning’s office, we are proud to offer both Invisalign and Invisalign for Teen treatments in The Woodlands, TX. Follow these helpful Invisalign tips and tricks from Dr. Kendra Pratt Manning and get beautiful results that won’t disappoint.

Advantages of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen Treatments

• Keep eating all your favorite foods.
• Stay active in all the sports and activities you love.
• Keep brushing and flossing just as you normally do, with no brackets or wires to get in the way.
• Experience fewer emergency visits, without the hassle of brackets and wires breaking.
• Get by without people noticing you are wearing the virtually invisible and clear Invisalign aligners.

Invisalign Tips and Tricks for Great Results

It is important to always be open and honest with your orthodontist about any questions and concerns you may have when undergoing any kind of treatment. Follow all directions given to you by your dentist, and use these Invisalign tips and tricks during treatment for best results.

Wear Aligners as Instructed

One of the benefits of Invisalign aligners is that they can be taken out when you eat and when you brush your teeth. However, they should be put right back in and worn for a minimum of 21 hours a day to achieve desired results. It may be helpful to make a chart and track how many hours you wear your aligners each day. If possible, plan to wear them 24/7, removing them only to eat and brush.

Keep them in a Safe Place

Clear aligners can be easily misplaced and hard to find! Make sure they are put in a safe place whenever they are removed to avoid a frantic search or the need to order a new pair. One of our favorite Invisalign tips and tricks is to carry the provided plastic case with you; that way you are prepared to store them safely anytime they are removed from your mouth.

Drink Only Water When Wearing Aligners

Water is the only drink that won’t cause staining when wearing your aligners. Even other clear liquids, like Sprite, contain sugar or other ingredients that are not good for your teeth or the Invisalign aligners. Be particularly diligent about removing your aligners and thoroughly cleaning your teeth if you drink coffee, wine, tea, or other dark or acidic liquids. Also, make sure you remove your aligners if you plan to drink hot beverages as the high temperatures can cause them to warp.

Use Chewies

Biting down on a chewie for a few minutes every day will help reduce pain by strengthening your jaw muscles. It will also help the aligners to fit more snugly against your teeth by removing any gaps, which will help your treatment work more effectively.

Practice Talking & Smiling

Wearing aligners may take a little getting used to when you first start wearing them, so it doesn’t hurt to practice talking and smiling in them. Even though they are invisible, if you act as though something unfamiliar is in your mouth, people are more likely to notice. Try reading out loud or singing while you get accustomed to the way they feel. You can also use this as an opportunity to practice your “selfie” skills.

Keep Your Old Aligners

Although we all hope this never happens, there are occasions where trays get lost or damaged. If you find yourself in this situation, wear your most recent set of trays until a replacement pair arrives. This will help prevent your teeth from moving and losing progress during this time.

Use Tools for Removal

Tight-fitting aligners can sometimes be difficult to remove when using only your fingers. Fortunately, there are small, hooked tools to help you get them out more easily (and more hygienically). They fit right inside your plastic case, so it’s easy to bring one with you and use it on the go. Ask your orthodontist if there is a brand of tool they prefer or if they have some available in their office.

Manage Pain

For sores on your tongue or inside your mouth, talk to your orthodontist about filing down rough edges or using dental wax to pad these areas. You can also use a mouthwash with a peroxide base (like Colgate Peroxyl) to keep the area clean and help mouth sores heal more quickly.

Keep Aligners Clean

Although there are no brackets and wires to clean around, you need to be very thorough when brushing and flossing your teeth during treatment.
Along with keeping your teeth clean, it is important to clean your Invisalign aligners. One of the most important tips for Invisalign is to remember not to use hot water or toothpaste on your aligners! Using hot water can cause the aligner to warp, which means they won’t be able to align your teeth properly or fit closely to your teeth. Do not leave them in a hot vehicle in the heat of summer for the same reason. We also recommend using dish soap to gently wash your aligners because toothpaste is too abrasive and may dull the plastic.

Routine Is Key

Creating a routine you can stick to will be the biggest factor in your success. Make a plan for everyday use, weekends, travel, and other possible schedule changes. Consider how you will handle social events, public speaking, and anything else that might tempt you to wear your aligners less often.

You can create a kit for keeping everything together in one place and include a chart to help you stay on track. And even though your new smile is a significant reward on its own, you can treat yourself to something fun (preferably without sugar) when you hit milestones along the way. Another way to track your trays, is to use the app called “My Invisalign” by Invisalign.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about Invisalign, or to see if your insurance covers aligners, then you can contact us online or by calling 281-367-0050 (Woodlands) or 936-596-1200 (Montgomery). Otherwise, you can visit more of our site to learn more about Invisalign treatments and Invisalign for Teens at our Woodlands, TX, location.