Just started Invisalign treatment? As your go-to Invisalign provider in San Diego, board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Matthew Durschlag, and the San Diego Smile Pros team want to help make your journey to a gorgeous, healthier smile a breeze with the following ten Invisalign hacks.
1. Change Aligners At Night For More Comfort
Invisalign in the first week can be a little uncomfortable. So can progressing to a new set of aligners during your treatment. A great Invisalign hack for mild teeth pain is to make the change at night. This way, you sleep through the initial adjustment period, waking up more accustomed to your new set.
2. Matte Lipstick For A Smudge-Free Smile
Worried about lipstick smudges on your aligners? One trick to avoid this is opting for matte lipstick, and then waiting for it to dry completely before making significant mouth movements.
3. Keep Well Hydrated
Keeping well-hydrated is not only good for your overall health, but also a great Invisalign hack for making it easier to remove your aligners. When your mouth is dry, aligners tend to stick to your teeth more, making them harder to remove. Regular hydration ensures your aligners slide off more smoothly.
4. Pack A Dental To-Go Kit
Excellent oral hygiene is especially important during Invisalign. Keep a dental travel kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss or interdental brushes to ensure you’re always putting aligners on clean teeth. You don’t want plaque and food debris stuck between your Invisalign aligners and your teeth after you eat or drink. Your oral care travel kit should also contain your Invisalign case.
5. Use An “Outie” Tool To Remove Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Sometimes using your fingers to remove your clear aligners can get messy — or tricky if you have long nails. An “outie” tool like the Invisalign PULTOOL® is a simple, hygienic way to remove your clear aligners. Some patients love the tool, while others prefer using their hands. We suggest trying both and choosing the easier option for you!
6.Clean Aligners During Meals
One of the first things we talk about with our Invisalign patients is how to clean their Invisalign aligners effectively. Try multitasking with this Invisalign hack of cleaning them while you eat or drink since you have to take them out anyway when consuming anything other than water. Consider one of these options:
Invisalign Cleaning Crystals: Soak your aligners in water with Invisalign cleaning crystals for about 15 minutes, then rinse with plain water.
Retainer cleaning tablets: Retainer-Brite cleaning tablets work wonders for cleaning clear aligners, too. Soak your aligners in water and a cleaning tablet at the end of the day for fresh aligners as you sleep.
At-home ultrasonic machine: With a high-tech ultrasonic cleaner like Hello Bright Ultrasonic Cleaner, simply add cool water and your clear aligners in the compartment, then let the ultrasound waves and UV-C LED light get rid of 99.99% of bacteria on your aligners in just five minutes.
Steraligner Cleaning Solution: Mix this solution with water to clean clear aligners in 3-5 minutes. Finish up with brushing your Invisalign with a soft toothbrush, then rinse with water.
7. Avoid Chewing Gum and Brightly Colored Candy
Gum and colorful candy while wearing your Invisalign aligners is a no-go. Gum can stick to and damage your clear aligners, while the dye in candy can stain them.
8. Always Carry Your Invisalign Case
Always have an Invisalign case on hand. This lessens your risk of losing or damaging your aligners and maintains their cleanliness when you take them out.
9. Use A Nail File For Comfort
It’s possible that a new set of aligners might have edges that irritate your mouth a little, especially during Invisalign wear in the first week. Gently filing these spots with a light nail file can improve comfort.
10. Track Wearing Time with Your Phone
Adhering to the recommended 20-22 hours of wear per day is crucial for successful Invisalign treatment. Use your phone or Invisalign app to keep track of your daily wear time and set reminders so you don’t forget to move on to your next set.
Invisalign With Your Experienced San Diego Orthodontist
From managing Invisalign discomfort to using an “outie” tool to tracking your wear time, we hope these insider Invisalign hacks help make your clear aligner treatment as comfortable and easy as possible.
If you haven’t started Invisalign yet, your experienced San Diego orthodontist can determine if you’re a candidate — most everyone is in the hands of a skilled Invisalign orthodontist like Dr. Durschlag. Book an appointment with San Diego Smile Pros to get started on the benefits of a beautiful new smile!
