By Maylands Dental Centre 
Are you ready to embark on your Invisalign journey? Starting an orthodontic treatment can be a big decision. It can cause drastic changes in how your smile looks, but it requires a commitment to regular dental visits and maintenance.
Don’t worry! Starting Invisalign treatment can be relatively easy if you know what to expect. Stay with us as we investigate and provide solutions to ease your transition into using Invisalign for your orthodontic treatment.
Whether you want to know how long it takes to get used to aligners or have questions about brushing and eating with braces, we’ve got answers! So read on and get ready as we prepare you for what happens in the first weeks of Invisalign treatment.
Blog Navigation
- What Should I Expect During the First Few Weeks of Invisalign Treatment?
- How Can I Manage Invisalign Pain?
- Should I Immediately Wear My Aligners for 20-22 Hours a Day?
- What Dietary Changes Should I Do While Having Invisalign Treatment?
- Will It Be Difficult to Insert and Remove My Aligners?
- How Should I Clean My Aligners?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked questions
What Should I Expect During the First Few Weeks of Invisalign Treatment?
Starting Invisalign treatment and knowing that you are on the road to straighter teeth can be a thrilling experience. However, it may also leave you feeling unsure of what to expect.
Invisalign treatment begins with taking impressions or scans of your teeth to fabricate custom-made aligners. Once your aligners are ready, you’ll get multiple sets and instructions on how long to wear each and when to switch to the next set.
After receiving your custom-made aligners, you will wear them for 20-22 hours each day. Here’s what to expect during Invisalign treatment:
- You may experience tightness when wearing your aligners.
Each set of aligners is designed to achieve certain tooth movements. These aligners will feel very snug and tight for a couple of days in the beginning and when switching trays. However, as your teeth slowly shift into position, they will eventually become more comfortable to wear. - Your teeth may feel a little sore.
As teeth move, the ligaments holding the tooth in place are pushed and pulled, causing them to feel sore. When this happens, patients may feel discomfort or pain when they chew. We recommend using an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed. - You will feel that you salivate more than usual.
Having foreign objects inside the mouth causes us to salivate more. Since aligners are essentially foreign, they cause us to produce more saliva. In the beginning, patients may feel like their mouth is becoming too full because of the Invisalign tray and the saliva, but eventually, as they adjust and get used to the feeling of having the trays in their mouth, saliva production will return to normal. - Your bite will feel a little weird.
As your teeth adjust to the new aligners, you may experience minor changes in your bite. This is normal and should go away after a few days of wearing the aligners. If it persists, please get in touch with your dentist so they can recheck your teeth alignment and make any necessary adjustments. - You may find it hard to talk at first.
When you first begin wearing Invisalign, it is normal to experience some difficulty speaking. As your mouth and tongue get used to the aligners, this should go away. If you continue to have problems after a few days, please speak with your dentist about possible solutions. - Your gums may become irritated or inflamed.
Wearing Invisalign can cause some irritation or inflammation to your gums. It is important to brush and floss regularly to reduce gum inflammation and discomfort. Your dentist may also recommend using an antimicrobial rinse or placing wax on the edges of the aligners for added comfort.
How Can I Manage Invisalign Pain?
In the process of straightening your crooked teeth, you may experience temporary discomfort as your teeth are adjusting to the aligners. Everyone is different, and all Invisalign journeys vary in terms of pain felt during treatment. However, pain relief is available.
If you’re ready to tackle Invisalign head-on without any hesitation, here are five Invisalign pain management tips:
- Take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain relief medications.
- Apply ice packs or cold compress to inflamed areas.
- Rinse mouth with warm salt water.
- Use wax to cover the sharp edges of your aligner and protect your gums.
- Massage the affected area before removing the Invisalign aligner trays.
Taking these simple steps can help minimise Invisalign pain and discomfort.
Should I Immediately Wear My Aligners for 20-22 Hours a Day?
It is advisable to immediately wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day to give yourself the greatest chance of success. This can help minimise discomfort and accelerate progress towards achieving the beautiful smile of your dreams.
During your Invisalign treatment, it is very important to religiously comply with your orthodontic care plan. This will help your teeth move quickly and efficiently into their desired positions.
What Dietary Changes Should I Do While Having Invisalign Treatment?
Making dietary changes while having Invisalign treatment is important. While you will eventually get used to speaking and eating with the aligners in your mouth, avoiding hard and sticky foods during treatment can help prevent damage or discomfort.
To get the most out of your Invisalign experience, we suggest avoiding foods such as:
- Chewy candy
- Gum
- Nuts
- Crusty bread
These food items are difficult to clean from the aligners. It is recommended that they are consumed in moderation or avoided altogether. Remember to be careful of crunchy fruits like apples, as they can also cause damage to your aligners. So make it a habit to remove your aligners before eating.
Your dentist wants you to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment without complications, so following dietary changes that ensure a smooth process is essential!
Will It Be Difficult to Insert and Remove My Aligners?
Many patients can feel intimidated or overwhelmed when beginning treatment with Invisalign aligners, but the insertion and removal process does not have to be difficult.
It may take practice for new users to become used to inserting and removing their aligners, but eventually, it becomes second nature.
Taking your time as you learn how to insert and remove your aligners correctly will set you up for successful treatment. To learn the proper technique, we recommend consulting your Invisalign specialist, who can guide you with detailed instructions to achieve a proper fit.
How Should I Clean My Aligners?
Cleaning Invisalign aligners is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. To keep them clean and promote healthy teeth and gums, it’s important to know how to clean your aligners properly.
Here are eight tips to help keep your aligners clean.
- Clean your aligners as soon as you take them out and before putting them back in your mouth.
- Rinse them using lukewarm water with liquid soap to help get rid of excess saliva.
- Clean your aligner with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste or an antibacterial cleaning solution.
- Soak Invisalign in cleaning crystals or powder. They’re designed specifically for cleaning Invisalign aligners.
- Avoid using hot water, vinegar, and bleach solutions, as these could damage your aligners.
- Store in a safe place. Make sure to keep the aligners away from pets, kids, and anything else that could pose a risk.
- Don’t eat or drink while wearing the aligners. This can cause plaque buildup, staining and breakage.
- Never use metal objects to scrape off plaque and food debris. Doing so can scratch and damage the aligners.
Taking extra time to care for your Invisalign aligners will go a long way—they’ll last longer, look better, and make your mouth feel fresh when you put them back in!
Final Thoughts
The first few weeks of your Invisalign treatment are a crucial part of your overall treatment. To have successful orthodontic treatment, it’s essential to follow the treatment plan, comply with the instructions from your dentist, and take good care of your aligners. This will help make the treatment process as seamless as possible and make treatment a success.
If you’re interested in pursuing Invisalign for yourself or a loved one, we’ve made it easy for you to book an appointment at Maylands Dental Centre. Visit our website or give us a call today so that we can help you get started on your journey toward beautiful teeth!
Frequently Asked questions
A good candidate for Invisalign would be someone who:
- Has good overall oral health with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues
- Can commit to wearing their aligners as instructed to achieve desired results
- Can comply with regular office visits and follow instructions provided by their dentist
- Seeks a practical alternative to traditional metal braces
If you meet these qualifications and think Invisalign may be right for you, contact your dentist for a recommendation.
After you’ve completed your initial consultation and your dentist has all the necessary information, photos and X-rays of your dental case, they can design a treatment plan tailored to your needs. After the treatment plan is finalized, the fabrication of the trays will begin. This usually takes anywhere between one to four weeks. The wide range of the timeline is due to the differences in shipment times. Regardless of how long it takes, Invisalign will work with you throughout the entire process, helping you get the results that fit your lifestyle and smile goals.
If you’re looking for alternatives to Invisalign for orthodontic care, there are several options available, including:
- Dental braces:
These are traditional braces with metal brackets and wires that move teeth into their proper positions. - Clear braces:
They work the same way as metal braces but use a bracket and wire system made of ceramic instead of metal. - Lingual braces:
These are another type of dental brace placed on the back surface of the teeth, so they are less visible from the front.
Your dentist will be able to explain each type of alternative treatment more thoroughly and provide the right recommendation based on your specific needs.
Invisalign is an increasingly popular and effective treatment option for those with tooth misalignment and bite problems. With many advantages compared to traditional metal braces, you may be wondering if investing in Invisalign is the right choice for you. While cost may be a potential difficulty, it could be worth it in the long run, thanks to unique features like its almost invisible appearance, being able to remove aligners as needed, and not having to worry about broken wires or poking brackets cutting your mouth while eating. Ultimately, it’s important to do your research into oral health options and talk to your dentist before making a decision that’s right for you.
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