How to Make the Most of Your Invisalign® Treatment

You’ve heard the stories and seen the before and after pictures — you know Invisalign® works and works well. But how do you get the kind of results that make people do a double-take?

In this post, our team of Invisalign specialists at Rifkin Dental tells you how. 

We know that Invisalign aligners are surrounded by hype, and we also know how to get the most out of them. Here are a few simple things you can do to maximize this revolutionary treatment. 

Look after your aligners

Things work better when they’re taken care of. The same goes for your aligners. So, keep your aligners clean and follow our care instructions to avoid damage. The longer you keep your aligners in tip-top shape, the shorter your treatment will be. 

Wear them all day

Or at least for most of the day. Invisalign aligners work best when you wear them every day for 22 hours. You can (and should) take them out to eat and drink, but other than that, your aligners should stay put. 

Stick to your schedule

With Invisalign, you could have the smile of your dreams in a fraction of the time of traditional braces — but only if you use them correctly. With traditional braces, you see your orthodontist regularly for adjustment. With Invisalign, it’s all on you. 

Remember to stay on top of your schedule and switch out your trays when it’s time. Otherwise, you push back your progress. 

Find a way to deal with the discomfort 

Invisalign aligners are vastly more comfortable than traditional braces, but they can cause some discomfort in the beginning stages or when you transition through trays. 

So, we recommend making a plan. Time it out so you switch trays at nighttime and sleep through the worst of the adjustment phase. Eating with sore teeth can be difficult, so stock up on some soft or drinkable foods. 

Of course, if your pain becomes unbearable, don’t hesitate to call our office. 

Don’t forget about your teeth

Your Invisalign trays work so well because they completely encase your teeth. When your saliva can’t reach your teeth regularly, it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. 

Keeping up an oral hygiene routine (brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily and after every meal) is more important now than ever. It would be a shame to straighten out your teeth to wind up back in our office dealing with a cavity. 

Remember to take them out

It’s important to wear your aligners for most of the day, but it’s also important to take them out at certain times. You’ll get the most life out of your aligners if you remember not to eat or drink anything other than water with them in. 

Fail to do so, and your aligners could break or stain. 

Store them properly

Invisalign’s greatest advantage can also pose a huge challenge — Invisalign aligners can be incredibly easy to lose. For that reason, we recommend you have your aligner case handy and keep a close eye on your aligners when you take them out to eat, drink, etc. Pro tip: A brightly colored or personalized case makes it easy to spot and, thus, harder to lose. 

Hang in there

Even though Invisalign is invisible, you might still feel self-conscious about them — don’t worry. It doesn’t take long to get used to them. Don’t give up on your treatment, and don’t skip any of your appointments. We can help you through any concerns you have and answer your questions. 

Want more information about Invisalign? We’d love to talk with you. Call or click to schedule an appointment at either our Carmel or Yorktown Heights, New York, offices today.