Invisalign has become the preferred method for rectifying teeth arrangement. With this method, you can get a better smile within a short while without having to deal with braces. However, with privilege comes great responsibility. You will have to wear your aligners correctly and ensure they are always clean. What will a day with Invisalign be like? Here is a look at all the basics.

Wearing and Removing the Aligners

You need to have the aligners on for a minimum of 22 hours a day. Though they remain almost invisible when worn, there are times when you will need to remove them. You should know how to do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Use a fingertip to remove the aligner from one end of the mouth (inside the back molar). Pull the aligner from the molars and then repeat on the other side.

2. Gently pull the aligners from the rest of the teeth once they are detangled from the molars. Do not force the aligners to come out. Nudging them slowly is the best way.

To place the aligners into the mouth:

1. Pick the right aligner. The one for the bottom teeth is different from the one for the top teeth. Just to be sure, check the case number. ‘U’ is written on the upper aligner, while ‘L’ is written on the lower aligner. You can start with either of the two.

2. Start by pushing the aligner over the front teeth.

3. Using the fingertips, apply pressure to the top of the aligners covering the back teeth.

4. The aligners will snap into place. Do not bite them into position.

The ease of use is one of the reasons why Invisalign is common among teenagers and people of all ages.

When to Remove Your Aligners

Invisalign aligners need to be worn for most of the day for them to work. You should not remove them just because you feel like it. You will feel a little discomfort, and some people may even develop a lisp. Do not worry; this only lasts for a short time.

You must remove the aligners when necessary in order to maintain them in their most optimum state. You should remove the aligners before meals so as to avoid staining them with food and enable proper chewing. After meals, brush your teeth and replace the aligners. Colorless drinks like water may be taken without removing the aligners, but the aligners need to be removed before taking colored drinks.

The aligners need to be cleaned every night. Remove them before bed and use appropriate methods for cleaning. After cleaning, wear the aligners and rest for the night. Yes, you should sleep with the aligners on. Teeth brushing and flossing should be done as usual (3 times a day), and the aligners need to be removed every time.

The aligners must be changed every one or two weeks, depending on what your dentist prescribes. Adhere to this, and you will see results soon. To save money, get the best price on Invisalign by choosing a qualified yet affordable orthodontist.

Cleaning teeth aligners

Invisalign uses clear aligners that must be kept clean for them to remain invisible. You need to clean them often to avoid yellowing and bacteria overgrowth that may cause more harm than good. Aligners should be cleaned in the morning and evening.

Cleaning the outer side of the aligners is easy. Just brush them with your toothbrush before taking the aligners off. Cleaning the insides will, however, need more attention. You will need to soak the aligners at least once a day for 20 to 30 minutes. You may use warm water mixed with clear antibacterial soap, a mixture of vinegar, and warm water or sterilizer. The latter is a commercially available Invisalign cleaner.

After soaking, you should remove any food particles that may have stuck on the aligners using a toothbrush. Once clean, rinse the aligners with lots of water before wearing them again. 

Products that must never be used to clean Invisalign include mouthwash and toothpaste.

Life Goes on as Usual With Invisalign

Other than the routine removal and reinsertion after meals and at cleaning times, you can go on with your day without changing much. Invisalign remains invisible to people you hang out with. You can work, play games and do whatever other activity you want as usual.


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