Invisalign is a more user-friendly orthodontic treatment than traditional metal braces, but there are still rules to follow. You must remove your trays out for meals and snacks, wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, and brush and floss often. Anything that can make your Invisalign lifestyle easier is worth exploring. Consider the following habits to make Invisalign easier to wear.
1. Switch to New Trays at Bedtime
You will be instructed to change your aligners about every two weeks (or according to your orthodontist’s carefully created treatment plan). It’s a good idea to make this switch at bedtime so you can avoid the brunt of the discomfort of fresh trays. Making the transition while you’re sleeping is also beneficial for your treatment because it means the new trays are in your mouth for about eight hours straight, helping your teeth adjust to their new positions and minimizing the pressure you will have to endure while you’re awake.
2. Make Good Use of Your Phone’s Timer
Invisalign must be worn all day except for when you’re eating. But it’s easy for time to get away from you if you’re hanging out with the kids or friends, enjoying a leisurely lunch with colleagues, or out on a date. You can easily forget that it’s time to put your trays back in and before you know it more than an hour has gone by. To make sure you stay within that 20- to 22-hour window of wear time every day, set a 30-minute timer during meals. This will give you enough time to eat and remind you that at the end of your meal it’s time to get up and clean your teeth before putting your trays back in place.
3. Always Have Your Case with You
Your Invisalign case is one of the most important elements in your orthodontic toolbox. Consider your case an important accessory that needs to come with you everywhere, just like your phone or your wallet. Make room for your case in your purse, pocket, bag, or otherwise. This ensures that there is always a place for your one-of-a-kind Invisalign aligners to rest when they’re out of your mouth. Don’t wrap your trays in a napkin (they could be thrown away) or put them in your pocket (lint, ew). The case keeps Invisalign safe so you don’t have to go to your orthodontist and ask for replacement trays.
4. Soak Your Trays While You Eat
If you’re worried about the amount of time your trays are out of your mouth, use at-home mealtimes to do deep cleanings of your trays so you don’t have to take the time to do that later. Put your trays in the cleaning solution that your orthodontist recommends so they can soak while you eat. Combined with the brushing and flossing you do after a meal and your fresh trays, your trays will look super clean and your mouth will feel great.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
If you’re interested in Invisalign, or your child is interested in Invisalign Teen, schedule a consultation with Dr. Roberts or Dr. de Marsche at Lawrenceville Orthodontists in NJ. Find out if Invisalign is right for you.