Congratulations on your decision to transform your smile with Invisalign. The journey to straighter teeth can be exciting, but it also requires a bit of adjustment on your part. At Dr. Rick Dentistry, we’re committed to ensuring your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible. We’ve compiled a guide with our top 10 tips for living with Invisalign to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. Are you ready to straighten your smile?

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign by Align Technology is a virtually invisible alternative to traditional metal braces. It involves the use of a series of custom clear aligners that fit snugly over your teeth, gently guiding them to the desired position. At Dr. Rick Dentistry, we use cutting-edge technology and techniques to capture 3D impressions of your smile and create custom treatment plans for a dramatic smile transformation. 

Tips for Living with Invisalign

Here are our top tips to enhance your experience and ensure the best possible outcomes with Invisalign: 

#1 – Wear Your Aligners as Directed: Protect your investment by wearing your aligners for at least 20-22 hours each day. As a rule of thumb, only take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. 

#2 – Track Your Aligner Changes: You’ll need to swap one aligner set for the next in the series about every two weeks, as outlined in your custom treatment plan. Using your aligners as per directions will ensure your treatment stays on track. 

#3 – Practice Your Speech: Speaking normally can be challenging when you start treatment. You may have a lisp and find certain sounds harder to make. Once your tongue and mouth get used to your aligners, you’ll find your speech getting better and better. 

#4 – Dealing with Discomfort: You may feel soreness each time you move onto new aligners – sucking on ice can help. You may be tempted to take out your aligners, but that’s the last thing you want to do because you’ll only prolong the soreness and delay treatment. If, however, the soreness lasts for more than a few days, or if you have severe discomfort, contact Dr. Rick Dentistry for guidance. 

#5 – Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining a good oral hygiene regimen while aligning your smile with Invisalign is more important than ever. Don’t let food stay trapped under your aligners. Take them out at least twice daily to brush your teeth thoroughly, floss, and rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash. 

#6 – Keep Your Aligners Clean: Your aligners also need cleaning to remove food particles and debris. Brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush – don’t use the one you use to brush your teeth – and use a mild antibacterial soap or one specifically designed for aligners. Avoid abrasive toothpaste, which can damage your aligners. 

#7 – Store Your Aligners Properly: Keep your aligners in their designated case when not used. That helps avoid loss or damage and keeps them clean. Whatever you do, don’t wrap your aligners in a tissue or napkin – you don’t want to accidentally throw them away. 

#8 – Don’t Discard Your Previous Aligners: Keep your previous set of aligners in case you need a backup due to damage or loss. Your last aligners are the closest fit to your teeth until your new replacement ones are ready. If you skip wearing aligners altogether, your teeth will start drifting back to their previous position, extending the length of treatment. 

#9 – Remember to Schedule Your Dental Cleanings: Make sure to keep up with your regular, twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings during Invisalign treatment. That way, you’ll keep your teeth healthy and sound as you transform your smile. 

#10 – Wear a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment: You’ll need to wear custom retainers after Invisalign treatment to maintain your new, improved smile. Otherwise, your teeth will gradually shift back to their initial positions. 

Invisalign Near Me in Scottsdale, AZ

Contact Dr. Rick Dentistry for more information about aligning your smile with Invisalign. Dr. Rick and his dedicated team look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams. We invite you to call 480-585-4244 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!