What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a game-changing tooth straightening treatment. For those who aren’t comfortable with the look or feel of traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a discreet, comfortable, and nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth and restore your beautiful smile.

As revolutionary as clear aligners are, they still come with some challenges. So if you’re considering entering or brand new to the world of Invisalign, we’re here to help you with 8 amazing Invisalign hacks to help prepare you for what’s to come.

1.    Clean Your Trays While Eating

There are few things more offputting than putting in your trays with food particles stuck to them. Not only is it unpleasant, but leftover food particles and plaque build-up can yellow the appearance of the aligners.

The solution? While you eat, soak your aligners in a glass of warm water and inexpensive retainer cleaning tablets (denture solution). This will help remove built-up food, plaque, and other gunk – yuck!

2.              Set A Timer

Who of us isn’t prone to forgetting things, especially things we do every day. Just like misplacing your keys, wallet and phone are common, so too are forgetting to put in your Invisalign after taking them out.

Remember, you need to wear your Invisalign nearly all the time for them to work properly – at least 22 hours per day. Not wearing them for the recommended time per day haults the setting progress and delays your beautiful straight teeth.

The rule of thumb is that the only times you should not be wearing them is when eating or brushing your teeth.

The solution? Use any number of free tracking apps on your smartphone or even the Invisalign App.

3.              Use A Nail File

Because who doesn’t love soft nails, right? Just kidding.

Sometimes clear aligners like Invisalign come with some sharp or rough edges that can irritate your tongue, gums, and cheeks. A little nail filing will smooth out those edges in no time. Save the dentist visit for your annual checkup and cleaning, and do some light filing yourself!

4.              Use A Tray Removal Tool

For anyone that already wears aligner trays, you know how annoying it can be to take them out to eat or brush. Sticking your fingers in your mouth is not the greatest look, nor is it very good for your freshly manicured nails.

The solution? Get yourself a clear aligner removal tool, often called an “Outie”. With this little tool, no longer will you break nails or have to stick your hands in your mouth to take out your Invisalign.

5.              Keep A Spare Case On You

Your Invisalign case is your best friend. Keeping a case on you at all times prevents the uncomfortable situation of taking out your aligner and putting it on the table of, for example, a fancy restaurant.

Light and portable, a small aligner case ensures you always have a place to store your Invisalign. This prevents needing to put your aligner in your pocket, and it won’t get thrown out wrapped up in what looks like used napkins!

6.              Keep A Backup Hygiene Kit

Wearing Invisalign requires brushing your teeth more often. Keeping a small travel-size dental pack in your bag, purse, or car means not having to run home every time you take out your trays or putting in your trays after eating without brushing away food particles.

These products are available at the local pharmacy and many grocery stores. They’re light, small, and compact. Patients who practice good oral hygiene are less likely to develop cavities and gum disease, so make sure you have a way to clean your teeth after eating.

7.              Keep Your Old Aligner Trays

You’ll most likely be using a new aligner tray every two weeks or so. When you make the move to the new set, keep your old aligner in case you lose or damage your new set. You’ll be able to use your old aligners while you wait for your replacements.

8.              Use A Matte Lipstick

It’s a common misconception that wearing Invisalign means giving up lipstick. But that’s not the case! While you need to pick your lipstick carefully, it’s all about finding the right product.

Matte lipstick is the best option as it better sets and dries, leaving your aligners clean and lipstick-free! If you get a bit on your aligner, don’t worry, you can easily wipe it off.

Following these simple Invisalign hacks are sure to make your experience more pleasant and comfortable.

At King Street Dental, you’ll get custom-made Invisalign trays that straighten your teeth without getting in the way of your lifestyle.