If you’ve chosen to straighten your smile using Invisalign, you’ve made an excellent choice. This clear aligner system has a well-earned reputation for delivering predictable results while ensuring comfort and discretion throughout the process.

It’s important to understand that Invisalign treatment differs from fixed braces in one key aspect— the removable nature of the aligners puts some of the responsibility for success into your hands.

Don’t worry though, we’ve helped countless patients get their dream smile using the treatment, and as long as you follow a few simple guidelines, you can enjoy the improvements Invisalign offers.

In this guide, we’ll share a few essential tips for getting the best outcomes from your Invisalign treatment.

Follow Your Treatment Plan

Invisalign is a precision treatment which follows custom steps. Before treatment begins, we’ll take digital scans of your smile and our powerful software will accurately plan the detailed steps needed to correct the position of your teeth.

The success of your treatment is largely reliant on you wearing your aligners for 22 hours each day. Although there are occasions when you should remove your aligner, it’s vital that you put it back as soon as possible.

Always Wear Your Current Aligner

Depending on the extent of the tooth movement required to straighten your smile, you may need to wear anywhere from 12 to over 48 different aligners during your treatment. The aligners may look the same, but the undetectable changes progress your treatment by a fraction of a millimetre at a time. This ensures the process is not only accurate, it’s comfortable.

It’s important to wear your aligners in the order we provide them. Spending too long wearing an older aligner will delay the final outcome.

Don’t Dispose Of Your Last Aligner

Although you should always move onto your next aligner when directed, it’s worth hanging onto your last one in case of an emergency.

Invisalign aligners are made from a durable material, so they shouldn’t break. But in case you misplace, warp, or somehow damage your aligner, reverting to the last step is better than stopping the treatment altogether.

Always inform us immediately in the event you encounter an issue. We’ll advise you whether this is the appropriate action to take.

Take Your Aligner Out When Eating or Drinking

Biting and chewing with your aligner can cause damage. Remove your aligner at mealtimes. This will stop it from becoming damaged while also reducing stains and bacteria.

Although it’s possible to drink with your aligner in, you shouldn’t. Hot drinks will warp the plastic and impact its effectiveness, while any sugary or alcoholic drinks may cause discolouration which reduces the aligner’s subtlety.

Keep Your Aligner Safe Whenever You Remove It

When you do remove your aligner, ensure you keep it somewhere safe. The ideal solution is to keep it in a dedicated case. Leaving it anywhere or putting it in a bag or pocket is likely to increase the risk of damage and create a build up of bacteria on it.

Keep Your Teeth Clean

Wearing your aligner day and night means bacteria and food debris inside it will be pressed against your teeth. It’s more important than ever that you maintain exceptional oral hygiene standards during your treatment.

Although you should thoroughly clean your teeth every morning and night, you may want to consider brushing them after every meal whenever possible.

Keep Your Aligner Clean

As well as cleaning your teeth, it’s vital that you clean your aligner regularly. It’s recommended that you clean it every morning and night using lukewarm water, liquid soap, and a soft toothbrush. You may also want to consider cleaning it after every meal.

Switch Aligners At Night

Invisalign aligners are designed with comfort in mind. They do, however, create gentle constant force. You’ll notice this pressure when you first begin treatment, and again whenever you get a new aligner. During this short phase, you may feel slight discomfort. If this becomes too much, you can take over the counter pain medication to manage it.

Wearing brand new aligners at night can help your teeth get used to the change in forces while you sleep. In some cases, this can make the transition between steps smoother.

Remember! Your Aligner is Custom Made

No two aligners are alike. You may have friends or family members who are considering Invisalign who want to see what an aligner feels like. Don’t let anyone else wear your aligner as it will damage it and impact its affectiveness.

Invisalign in Beaconsfield

Invisalign is capable of achieving great things, but you need to remember that much of its success is in your hands. We’ll always set you up to get the best results, and we’re here to support you on your journey.

Contact us today to schedule your Invisalign consultation.