Are you considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth, but not sure where to start? These 10 insider tips will help you get the most out of your clear aligners.
When considering getting your teeth adjusted for straighter teeth, there is a lot to think about… cost, comfort, eating restrictions with braces, and maintenance.
Thinking about straightening your smile without the metal? Invisalign is a fabulous choice! However, like any journey to perfection, it needs a bit of dedication. Just keep these friendly pointers in your back pocket: stick to the first 48-hour rule, wear your aligners for a good 22 hours daily, and swap out your trays when it’s time. It might feel a tad different at the start, but trust us – and our awesome team at Lippitz Orthodontics – and you’ll be flashing that radiant, straight smile in no time!
Lipptiz Orthodontics has offices in Chicago (773) 508-5588, Northbrook (847) 562-8858, and Glencoe (847) 835-3200.
For those of you getting close to a decision, keep reading and we’ll go into more detail…
Invisalign Costs
The cost of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the length of the required treatment. In general, Invisalign is typically similar in cost to traditional metal braces, and it may also offer some additional benefits, such as greater comfort and convenience.
Factors that can impact the cost of Invisalign treatment include:
- Length of treatment: Longer treatment times can increase the overall cost of Invisalign. Treatment can last anywhere from 6-24 months depending on your unique circumstances.
- Complexity of the case: More complex cases, such as those requiring more extensive orthodontic work, may be more expensive.
- Insurance coverage: Some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of Invisalign treatment. Our team works hard to maximize your insurance to minimize your out of pocket expense.
This is why it is important to get a FREE consultation. Just give us a call at (773) 508-5588.
Start Your Invisalign Treatment Right: The 48-Hour Rule
The first 48 hours after you start wearing a new tray are the most important. Make sure to wear your trays as often as possible during this time, only removing them to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. While you may feel a little sore during this time, this only means that the trays are working!
Wear Your Aligners 22 Hours/Day
Invisalign is only effective if the aligners are worn consistently, meaning most of the time they should be in your mouth. Wearing Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours per day is important for two reasons:
- Effectiveness: Invisalign treatment is designed to gradually shift your teeth into their proper position. This process requires consistent pressure on your teeth, which is why it’s important to wear the aligners for as long as possible each day. If you don’t wear the aligners enough, the treatment may take longer or not work as effectively.
- Comfort: The more consistently you wear your aligners, the more quickly your mouth will adjust to them. If you take them out frequently or for extended periods of time, you may experience discomfort or soreness each time you put them back in. By wearing them for at least 22 hours per day, you can minimize discomfort and get used to the aligners quickly. Just know that it feels a little weird at first, but you will get used to it.
Change Your Aligners on Time
In addition to wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day, it’s essential that you change your Invisalign trays in a timely manner. Our team will provide you with specific instructions on what trays to use and when so you know that you are on the right track. There’s even an Invisalign app for that!
At first, Invisalign patients report that it’s strange having aligners on your teeth all the time. It might feel a little weird or foreign on your teeth, but with time, it will become a part of your daily routine. Please contact our team at Lippitz Orthodontics if you have questions!
Remove Your Aligners Before Eating and Drinking
It’s important to remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water to:
Avoid damage
Invisalign aligners are made of a clear plastic material that is designed to be comfortable and durable, but they can still be damaged if you eat or drink while wearing them. Hard or crunchy foods can potentially crack or damage the aligners, and hot or colored liquids can stain or warp them. The trays are pretty hardy but we still need to be careful.
Ensure proper cleaning
When you eat or drink with Invisalign aligners in, food particles and liquids can get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and other oral health issues. By removing your aligners and cleaning your teeth thoroughly after eating or drinking, you can reduce this risk and ensure that your teeth and aligners stay clean and healthy. If you cannot brush your teeth after your meal, swishing with water to clean out any residual food or liquids can help.
Improve treatment effectiveness
Invisalign aligners work by applying gentle pressure to your teeth to shift them into the proper position over time. If you eat or drink while wearing the aligners, this pressure may be distributed unevenly or compromised, which can slow down or disrupt the treatment process. By removing the aligners during meals and snacks, you can ensure that the pressure is applied consistently and effectively.
Don’t Toss Your Aligners: Protect Your Investment
When you’re about to enjoy a meal, your immediate instinct might be to wrap your clear trays in a napkin or paper towel. While this may seem like a convenient temporary storage solution, it’s an easy way to accidentally discard your valuable aligners!
Many people unknowingly throw away their trays by wrapping them in napkins during meals. Then, in the aftermath of dining and cleaning up, the napkin-wrapped aligners can often be mistaken for garbage and thrown away, leading to unnecessary loss and replacement costs.
Remember, your aligners are an essential part of your journey to a perfect smile and a significant investment. Losing them can lead not only to extra costs for replacement trays but also potentially disrupt the steady progress of your treatment.
To prevent this common mishap, consider investing in a dedicated aligner case. These cases are designed to safely store your aligners when they’re not in use, and their distinctive appearance makes them less likely to be thrown away accidentally. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of trouble and ensure your Invisalign journey stays on track
Always put your trays in this case when you’re eating or drinking. It might take some getting used to, but making it a habit will safeguard your aligners, and your journey to a better smile won’t face any unnecessary delays or added costs.
Remember, every time you remove your Invisalign trays, think to yourself, “Don’t toss your aligners!” Protecting your aligners means protecting your smile.
Clean Your Aligners
Invisalign provides its own cleaning solution specifically formulated for Invisalign aligners called the “Invisalign Cleaning Crystals.” However, there are other cleaning solutions available that can be used to clean aligners as well. Here are a few options:
Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
This is the recommended cleaning solution for Invisalign aligners. The cleaning crystals dissolve in water to create a cleaning solution that is safe and effective for cleaning your aligners.
Retainer Brite
This is another popular cleaning solution that is often used for cleaning Invisalign aligners. Retainer Brite tablets dissolve in water to create a solution that can help to remove bacteria and stains from your aligners.
Denture cleaning tablets
While not specifically designed for Invisalign aligners, denture cleaning tablets can be effective for cleaning aligners as well. Simply dissolve a tablet in water and soak your aligners for the recommended amount of time.
When choosing a cleaning solution for your Invisalign aligners, it’s important to make sure that it is safe for use with plastics and won’t damage or discolor your aligners. It’s also a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that you are using the solution correctly and getting the best results possible.
Regular Toothpaste
If specific cleaning solutions are not available for you, brushing each tray with a toothbrush and toothpaste can help keep those Invisalign trays sparkling.
Speaking of Brushing, Practice Good Oral Health!
Practicing good oral health means taking care of your teeth, gums, and mouth to keep them healthy and free from disease. Here are a few key components of good oral health:
- Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and ideally after meals or snacks as well. Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle circular motions, making sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth and gums.
- Flossing: Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along your gum line.
- Eating a healthy diet: A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to support good oral health. Avoid sugary or sticky foods, which can contribute to tooth decay.
- Regular dental visits: See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, typically every six months. This can help to catch any potential oral health issues early and prevent them from getting worse.
- Avoiding tobacco: Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco, can increase the risk of oral cancer and other oral health issues. Quitting or avoiding tobacco can help to protect your oral health.
By practicing good oral health habits like these, you can help to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and free from disease.
Set A Reminder To Put Aligners Back In
Setting a reminder to ensure that you put your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth after you have finished eating, drinking, or cleaning them. This is an important step in maintaining consistent wear of your aligners.
When you remove your aligners to eat or drink, it’s important to set a reminder to put them back in your mouth as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that you are wearing them for the recommended 20-22 hours per day.
You can set a reminder using a variety of methods, such as setting an alarm on your phone, using a reminder app, or using a physical reminder, such as a post-it note. The key is to choose a method that works for you and that you will be likely to follow consistently.
Don’t Think Too Hard About It
It’s common to feel like you are talking funny when you first start treatment. There can be a little learning curve when first getting orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign clear aligners. This is because the mouth and tongue need to adjust to the presence of the Invisalign trays.
We find that the patients who have trouble adapting to the aligners are patients who really are concentrating on how they speak. Anyone who concentrates on their speech tends to start sounding funny. The best thing to do is just not think about it, speak as you always would and your tongue will adjust so much faster.
Check out Invisalign before and after images of our patients from Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Deerfield, Wilmette, and Highland Park! We have 3 convenient locations, each a short drive from these towns.
