With our Invisalign patients, we’ve heard every story in the book. We know what works, and what’s going to prevent your teeth from aligning into a perfectly straight smile. As such, we’ve got a good handle on the Invisalign hacks that are going to help your treatment, and which are only going to result in having to wear your aligners for longer than initially predicted. Our experienced staff can help you on your Invisalign journey in Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast.
First things first, there are so many reasons to wear Invisalign. Here are some of the most common ones!
Reason #1
You wore braces in your teens but didn’t wear your retainer so your teeth moved back to their old positions. Don't worry, we've been there too.
Reason #2
You can now finally afford to straighten your smile but train tracks? No way! Let’s go with the clear alternative.
Reason #3
You came in for veneers to immediately fix your uneven smile... But we’ve said "Let’s do it the RIGHT way!" and straighten your teeth first. (Can I get veneers if my teeth are crooked?) This way, we can move forward with no-prep veneers at the end of your orthodontic treatment.
Reason #4
You have a special event or wedding coming up down the track and you need to finally address your unhappy smile!
Reason #5
Others tell you that you have crooked teeth. It is preventing you from having full confidence in yourself.
Reason #6
You woke up with an epiphany and decided that today is the day you get a straighter smile!
Whatever it may be, we’ve heard it all and we’re here to help! I, myself, am an avid Invisalign user so I shall relay all my knowledge unto my dear unsuspecting future wearers who have no idea what they’re getting into!
I'm half-way through my Invisalign treatment here. Can you tell? 😛
Credit: Intan Lay
Let’s start off with 10 Invisalign HACKS that will get you through your teeth-straightening journey!
10 Invisalign hacks you need to know
Hack #1 - Always Keep Your Invisalign Case Close
Your Invisalign Case IS YOUR FRIEND. It is essential that you keep your aligners and their case safe, secure and by your side wherever you go. Your case not only protects them from damage, but also ensures that you don’t misplace them or accidentally throw them away when you take them out. There’s nothing worse than going to a fancy restaurant for your birthday and not bringing your case because it didn’t match your outfit, so you wrapped it in a tissue only for the waitress to pick up and throw away.
Your case not only keeps your aligners safe but also provides a clean and sanitary location for them when they aren’t in your mouth. You must also regularly clean your case with soap and water so that it doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Keep your case in your bag, in your pocket, in your hand, in your shoe - everywhere. No matter where you go, have it at the ready for whatever life throws at you.
Hack #2 - Clean Those Aligners Thoroughly
I know we’ve already brought this up, but it is essential that you keep your aligners clean to promote strong oral hygiene and reduce the chances of bacteria building up.
Some tips for keeping your aligners in the best condition possible:
- Rinse Well and Soak: After removing your aligners, rinse them under lukewarm water to remove any loose debris. You can also invest in specially designed cleaning solutions, where you can soak your aligners.
- Brush With Care: Gently brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush, along with a mild soap to help keep them warm. Avoid using toothpaste to clean aligners as it can be too abrasive and scratch the aligners.
- Do Not Use Hot Water: You mustn’t soak or wash your aligners in scolding water as it can severely warp the aligners and make them unwearable.
- Rinse Again: Once you have soaked and washed your aligners, rinse them under cold water to ensure any cleaning solution residue is removed before leaving them to dry.
- Drying and Case Cleaning: Once you’re happy with the cleaning, allow your aligners to air dry. While this is happening, clean your aligner case to prevent any bacteria from building up and reduce any odour. Once your aligners are dry, put them back into the case and you’re good to go.
Those who don’t follow the correct cleaning regimen with their aligners can really end up hating Invisalign and the treatment overall. Don’t let that be you.
Hack #3 - What Should You Avoid With Aligners?
Food and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, coloured lollies, and tomato-based sauces can all stain your aligners. If you do consume any of these products, make sure to remove your aligners first, or rinse your aligners thoroughly straight after eating or drinking.
Unfortunately, you should also say goodbye to chewing gum. No matter what anyone says, you absolutely cannot have a gym whilst wearing your aligner. Don’t believe me? Try it and let me know how it goes... It didn't end so well for me!
While some lipsticks may be off limits, it is a myth that you have to give up lipstick and lip gloss. Matte lipsticks for me work best to ensure your lips are set and dry before you make any mouth movements (smiling immediately after application can leave a mark on your aligner). Not to worry, though, when it does, it comes off easily.
Hack #4 - Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing and flossing habits are crucial while wearing Invisalign aligners. Food particles or bacteria that remain in your mouth can easily be trapped due to the snug fit of aligners. If this is a regular occurrence, you can pay for it down the line with cavities or gum disease.
Therefore, you should brush and floss your teeth after every meal to keep your oral hygiene tip-top and your aligners clean. Flossing is especially essential in removing any debris that brushing alone may miss, especially between teeth and around attachments.
Hack #5 - Switch Before You Sleep
One of my favourite Invisalign hacks is to switch to your new aligners before you go to sleep! Why is this, you may ask? It’s best to move your teeth into their new position for an uninterrupted period of time. Think about it, it’s better having your new aligners in for 8 hours straight whilst you sleep vs. in-and-out throughout the day. It is also a great way of managing discomfort. The initial adjustment period is often the most uncomfortable part, so if you can sleep through this, it can make the overall process a lot smoother.
Hack #6 - Use Chewies to Seat Aligners
Are your aligners driving you crazy? A great way to get used to Invisalign treatment is through the use of chewies. Chewies are a soft chewing device that can be used by patients treated with clear aligners. They are a great tool to help seat Invisalign aligners more effectively and result in a snug fit that applies just the right amount of pressure. Keep a few chewies close by always; they’re simple, reusable, and make a big difference in the comfort and effectiveness of your aligners. These are honestly an Invisalign must-have.
Hack #7 - A Good Nail File
Invest in a good nail file. Fellas, I am talking to you too! Sometimes new aligners can come with unexpected sharp spots that not only cut your tongue and mouth, but it just feels really bloody annoying! One of our favourite Invisalign hacks is to file that sharp spot down, and you’re good to go! Don’t waste time going back to the dentist when you can fix it quickly and easily at home.
Hack #8 - Outie and Orthodontic Wax
Two incredibly useful tools to relieve discomfort and reduce any irritation associated with aligners are the outie tool fuse and orthodontic wax.
An outie is a handy tool that eliminates the hassle of using your hands. The lever end of the outie easily slips in to remove your bottom aligner, while the hook side works to take out your top aligner. The ends of the outie are thin and tapered to easily fit between your aligner and teeth.
Orthodontic wax can be very helpful when it comes to reducing any pain associated with aligners. After ensuring your aligners and mouth are clean and dry, you’ll roll out a small piece of wax, and press it onto the area of your mouth that is causing you discomfort and smooth it down.
If you do experience severe or constant pain associated with your aligners, you must speak to your dentist.
Hack #9 - Emergency Dental Travel Kit
Keep an emergency dental travel kit in your bag or car. It’s so important to put clean aligners on clean teeth. This doesn’t necessarily mean we expect you to brush your teeth after each meal, but it is important that you rinse thoroughly and remove any food that may be stuck in your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
Hack #10 - Don’t Forget to Smile
SMILE! Smile all day every day, and don’t be afraid to show off your beautiful teeth and talk about Invisalign to others. The aligners' journey is a great one, and the end result will be worth every step of the journey. The evolution of orthodontics is absolutely amazing, and the potential it holds for your smile leaves a lot to be excited about.
Written By
Intan Nobury
An appreciator of art, novels and high intensity sports. With a passion for work and a dangerous addiction to tea.
