If you recently started treatment with Invisalign, you’re probably still adjusting to life with your new aligners. Fortunately, since Invisalign aligners are a removable orthodontic device, you can pretty much do all the things you used to do without compromise! But as Henderson orthodontists, we’ve heard many Invisalign patients ask the same questions. How do I make Invisalign treatment easier? What are some Invisalign hacks for getting the most from my Invisalign treatment?
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we’re here to help you enjoy your orthodontic treatment to the fullest. In this post, we’re sharing our top Invisalign hacks for a smooth journey to a straighter smile.
1. Make an Invisalign To-Go Kit
With any type of orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene takes on a whole new level of importance. You graduate from the standard “brush twice a day” rule to the “brush and floss after every single snack or meal” rule. That’s because food particles love to hide in all the nooks and crannies in your mouth. If you put your aligners back in without brushing and flossing first, you’re trapping bacteria and plaque between your teeth. Not to mention whatever you ate could stain your aligners. Make sure you always have your toothbrush, toothpaste and floss on hand by building an Invisalign to-go kit. Take it with you everywhere so you never slip up.
2. Use a DIY Invisalign Cleaner
When it comes to orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, we always recommend going with a brand name like Invisalign over one of the many DIY systems on the market these days. That said, it’s not necessary to splurge on expensive cleaners for your aligners when a simple at-home Invisalign cleaner will work just as well. Simply mix two tablespoons of white vinegar, ¾ cup of lukewarm water and one teaspoon of baking soda together, and soak your aligners for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water to remove any residue and voila, sparkly clean aligners!
3. Drink Plenty of Water
One of the best things about Invisalign is that you don’t have to change what you eat like you do with braces. You’re free to enjoy all your favorite foods like you always have! However, there are still a few rules for eating with Invisalign. Mainly, you must always take your aligners out when you eat and drink anything other than water. Hydration is incredibly important, though, and fortunately water is the only safe thing to consume with your aligners in. Keep a bottle of water on hand to remind yourself to drink up.
4. Set a Timer Whenever You Remove Your Aligners
As your Henderson orthodontist has probably told you a hundred times, you have to wear your Invisalign aligners at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Any less and you won’t get the most of your Invisalign treatment and your results will only take longer to achieve. To remind yourself to wear your aligners for the full recommended time, set a timer every time you take them out to eat or drink. It’s a simple Invisalign hack you’ll be grateful for in the long run.
5. Practice Speaking at Home
When you put in your first set of Invisalign aligners, it might take some getting used to. Invisalign will likely alter your speech just a little as you adjust to the aligners, but don’t worry. The slight lisp should go away in a few days or weeks with regular practice. So speak up at home and in social situations. We promise, even if you notice a difference in your speech, it’s unlikely that anyone else does. If the lisp doesn’t go away in a few weeks, talk to your orthodontist because your aligners may need some adjusting.
6. Always Use Your Invisalign Case
Have you lost a set of aligners … or two? It’s okay, it happens to the best of us. If you’re prone to losing your aligners, we can’t stress the importance of using your Invisalign case enough. Get into the habit of deliberately putting your aligners in the case every time you take them out and keep the case in your pocket, backpack or purse so you always know where to find it. Not only does the case keep you from losing your aligners — it also keeps them safe from damage and reduces delays to your treatment time. So if you want to keep your smile on track, use the case!
If you have any questions about life with Invisalign, we’re just a phone call away. Ready to start your own journey to the smile of your dreams? Contact Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics to book a consultation today.
