How to Make the Most of Your Invisalign Treatment

Maybe you’ve decided the time is right for you to get a straight, even smile. Whether you’re a teenager or a working adult, Invisalign® can help you gain the benefits that straighter teeth can give you, including increased confidence. The cosmetic procedure review site RealSelf says that 90% of people who’ve had the treatment are happy with their results.

Though Dr. Thomas D. Sokoly of Sokoly Dental monitors your progress throughout treatment, there are many things you can do to optimize your outcome. Here, we explain more.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a revolutionary system that allows you to gradually straighten your teeth with clear thermoplastic aligners. They’re custom-made to fit your teeth exactly. You wear each tray for about two weeks and then switch them out with another set of trays to fit the progressing shape of your mouth.

These trays have to be worn for 20-22 hours a day, only taking them out long enough to eat or drink. How well you stick to this schedule plays a big role in ensuring your results.

Essential tips for wearing Invisalign aligners

If you want the best results possible from wearing your Invisalign aligners, here are a few tips that may help you.

Wear them as much as possible

Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, particularly because you can still eat and drink normally. However, this may tempt you to leave your trays out for consistently longer periods. Avoid this temptation; it could mean that your treatment time may take longer or even fail to work.

Cleaning your teeth and aligners

You can indeed eat or drink anything you want, but that’s not the only thing to consider. The system is designed so that when you brush your teeth, you can also clean your aligners before placing them back in your mouth. If you skimp on caring for your teeth and aligners, it could put you at increased risk of developing cavities in your teeth.

Stick through the adjustment phases

It’s common and normal to experience a little bit of mouth soreness as your mouth adjusts to each new set of aligners. While you might feel tempted to give up on the system because it’s causing a minor amount of pain, it’s worth it to stick with it. 

If your soreness is extreme, try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®). If you prefer, you can also use an ice cube to help numb sore spots.

Don’t forget the retainer

Once you complete your treatment, you’ll wear a retainer as an essential step to make sure your results aren’t lost. Your teeth are prone to slipping back into their former position if you don’t wear a retainer to hold them in place, so make sure you don’t skip this important step.

If you’ve been considering Invisalign treatment, know that it’s a great option. Your results should make you very happy as long as you follow the treatment guidelines. Call or book an appointment online with us at Sokoly Dental in Washington, DC, today.