Invisalign Hacks: 10 Clever Tips for a Seamless Smile Journey

Are you about to embark on your Invisalign journey? Just like the 17 million+ patients before you, you’ve made a great choice! Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable solution for a straighter, more confident smile but it does come with a learning curve. As you bid farewell to misaligned teeth, a few helpful tips can ensure a smooth transition and help you avoid any discomfort, pain, or potential dental concerns that may come with wearing clear, custom aligners. Here are 10 clever Invisalign hacks to ensure your journey to a perfect smile is as seamless as possible!

1# Keep your aligner case with you at all times

Because your aligners are clear and lightweight, it’s easy to put them down and misplace them or accidentally throw them away. To prevent this from happening always have your aligner case with you. Keep it in your pocket, your purse, your hand, anywhere and put your aligners in it whenever you remove them for eating or drinking. This helps prevent loss or damage and avoids forking out for expensive replacements.

2# Stick to the 22-hour rule

The success of your Invisalign treatment relies on you wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours a day. That leaves just a couple of hours to eat all your meals and brush and floss your teeth. While it’s tempting to leave them out for longer during special events or mealtimes, doing so can delay your treatment progress. Try setting the timer on your phone whenever you remove your aligners to remind you to put them back in your mouth. Every minute counts towards a straighter smile!

3# Use chewies to help your aligners fit better

Aligner chewies are soft spongy rolls that you bite down on to eliminate the air space between the aligner and the teeth and improve its grip. To work effectively, aligners need to fit snugly to the teeth so they can apply the right pressure to move the teeth into their correct position. Using chewies twice a day ensures the aligners are properly seated, potentially shortening your overall treatment time.

4# Pack a care kit

The whole point of aligners being clear is so they aren’t visible to the world. But without proper care, bacteria will accumulate and stain them, ruining their near-invisible appearance. A way of avoiding this is to have a small care kit close to hand when you’re out and about. A travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and even a small bottle of mouthwash work wonders. Having these small supplies in a purse or backpack will make it so much easier to clean your aligners when you’re away from home. Here’s a handy guide to the do’s and don’ts of Invisalign cleaning.

5# Relieve discomfort with orthodontic wax

While Invisalign is considered more comfortable than wire and bracket braces, you may experience an element of discomfort when you first change aligners and they feel really tight.

Another of our Invisalign hacks is to use a small amount of orthodontic wax on the edges of your aligners, during the first few days of changing aligners, to prevent irritation to your gums or inner cheeks. If the discomfort persists contact your dentist to ensure your aligners are fitting correctly.

6# Soak aligners for a deep clean

Maintaining clear aligners is essential both for your oral health and to keep your aligners transparent. Brushing aligners with toothpaste can scratch them so it’s best to soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a retainer cleaning solution. By doing so, plaque, stains and bacteria are removed without damaging the aligners.

7# Drink plenty of water

It’s not uncommon to develop a dry mouth when you first start wearing Invisalign. This occurs because the aligners cover the surface of the teeth and reduce the natural flow of saliva. Staying hydrated is key to combatting this. Carry a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day. Not only does this prevent dry mouth, but it also helps keep your teeth clean by washing away bacteria. Avoid sugary or acidic drinks while your aligners are in, as they can get trapped under the trays and increase your risk of cavities.

8# Take ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures

One of the most exciting parts of the Invisalign journey is visibly seeing your smile change. Take a photo before you start your treatment and another each time you swap aligners. Comparing the photos can motivate you and help you realise how far you’ve come.

9# Schedule regular check-ups

Regular check-ups with your Invisalign dentist are crucial to monitor your progress and ensure your treatment is going to plan. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments and address any concerns that may arise. Skipping or failing to reschedule appointments can prolong your treatment time and compromise your results. To ensure you stay on track follow the schedule provided by your Invisalign provider telling you when to change aligners and when to visit for a check-up. You can even set reminders on your phone or calendar.

10# Wear your retainer as instructed after treatment

Once the aligners have done their job, a retainer is there to step in and ensure your teeth remain in their new position. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on when and how to wear your retainer and it’s important to stick to this as closely as possible. It’s normal to wear a retainer for a certain amount of time each day during the first few months after treatment, gradually reducing the time until you’re wearing a retain at night, once or twice a week to retain that beautiful straight smile you worked so hard to achieve.

So there you have it. 10 Invisalign hacks to ensure a seamless journey.

Ready to start your Invisalign journey?

At Chesterfield Dentistry, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re curious about the process or ready to book your first appointment, contact us today or give us a call at 314 936-3621. Your perfect smile is just around the corner!