Instructions for successful Invisalign treatment

Congratulations, you are the new owner of an Invisalign invisible dental aligner. It’s the first step towards straighter teeth and a more beautiful smile. To help you get results as quickly and successfully as possible, we’ve put together some tips on using Invisalign retainers and answers to your questions.

Tooth caps (white dots)

At the start of your orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist will place plugs on your teeth and remove them after treatment. Both the insertion and removal of these aligners or plugs do not hurt or leave any marks on the tooth.

In some cases, depending on the condition of the dentition and the complexity of the treatment, ceramic plates are also placed on the seven teeth, and later rubber bands are attached to speed up the treatment process. Your orthodontist will give you all the instructions.

Fitting a dental retainer

The good news is that Invisalign is relatively easy to place in your mouth if you follow a few simple steps. First, make sure you have clean hands before handling the retainers. Then take the upper retainer and place it on your teeth. Once the retainer is in place, push it toward the sky with your tongue. Then take the lower retainer and do the same. Finally, push the retainers together with your fingers until they snap into place. With a little practice, you should master the installation quickly and easily.

Careful! DO NOT bite into the retainers to get them into position. This can damage them.

How long do I have to wear the retainers each day?

To align your teeth successfully and as quickly as possible, it is important to wear your retainers 22 hours a day. Invisalign should therefore also be worn at night while you sleep. The rest of the day is spent eating when you must remove your Invisalign, and taking care of your oral hygiene, brushing, flossing, and cleaning the retainers themselves. Make sure that you really wear Invisalign for the number of hours you are supposed to, as this is the only way to ensure that your treatment progresses and that you get the results you want and a beautiful smile.

 

Wear dental retainers at all times, except when eating and brushing your teeth

When to remove the retainers?

It is essential to remove the retainers for the following activities:

When eating: it is important to remove the retainers before eating or drinking anything other than water. Otherwise, food particles can get trapped between the retainers and your teeth, leading to cavities.

When brushing: it is important to brush and floss consistently before re-fitting aligners. Otherwise, plaque and bacteria can build up on the teeth and cause gum disease.

Drinking liquids other than water: various beverages can stain Invisalign retainers, so make sure you always remove them when drinking such beverages, then brush your teeth and rinse your mouth.

When used as directed, Invisalign is a safe and effective way to straighten teeth.

Can it eat with retainers in its mouth?

No, it is recommended to remove Invisalign when feeding. Any food can stain or damage Invisalign. The retainers should be removed before each meal and reinserted after each meal. However, water is allowed in unlimited quantities even while wearing Invisalign.

When is it time for a new retainer?

Invisalign works by changing the retainers every 1 to 2 weeks according to the instructions given to you by your orthodontist. The wearing process is easy, painless, and effective. You should see your orthodontist every 7 to 10 weeks for a check-up.

Tooth movement process

Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign lasts for different lengths of time depending on the condition of the teeth and the complexity of the treatment. Invisalign works by gently pressing the retainers against the teeth and gradually moving them into the desired position. As the treatment progresses, the retainers or splints become tighter and tighter so that you can achieve the desired results in the shortest possible time.

 

Tooth movement process

How long does it take to get my teeth straight?

Usually, orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is successfully completed within 9 to 15 months. The actual treatment time depends on the initial condition of your teeth and the complexity of the treatment.

However, when choosing Invisalign, it is essential that you consistently wear your aligners for 22 hours every day, as prescribed by your orthodontist, in order to achieve success and the desired end result.

When do I see the first results?

Invisalign moves faster than a traditional fixed appliance. You’ll probably notice the first results after just two or three months of wear.

Storing your dental retainers

It is a good idea to have a box handy for storing Invisalign retainers. Store them in the box before eating so that they cannot get damaged or lost. After eating, rinse both the teeth and the retainers well and put them back on. We advise against wrapping the retainers in a napkin, as they can be damaged or lost more quickly.

 

Storing the retainers

How do I take Invisalign off?

Take the time to take off your Invisalign retainers.

1. On one side of the mouth, slowly pull the retainer out of the cartilage with the tip of your finger on the inside of the back cartilage.

2. Ta postopek ponovite na drugi strani ust, preden poskušate popolnoma odstraniti poravnalnik.

3. Once the retainer is separated from the molars on either side of the mouth, slowly move it away and gently lift the retainer away from the teeth with your fingertips.

Tips:

  • Rinse the retainer immediately with water, shake off excess water, and store it in its protective box.

  • To prevent damage to the retainers, avoid unnecessary removal.

  • Be careful when removing the retainers, especially if you use several adapters.

  • Do not use excessive force to bend or twist the aligner to remove it.

  • DO NOT use sharp objects to remove the retainers.

Have you lost or broken your Invisalign?

In case of loss or breakage of the retainers, inform your orthodontist immediately. The orthodontist will probably instruct you to start wearing your last or next set of retainers immediately. Or he or she may suggest that you go in for a new set of retainers to replace the ones you have just lost.

What to do with the old dental retainers?

You can throw old retainers in the rubbish, among the plastics. We recommend that you always keep your last retainers, as you can use them in an emergency if your existing ones get damaged or lost. If you have any problems or if your retainers are damaged, you should inform your orthodontist, who will give you the appropriate instructions.

How to clean Invisalign?

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the retainers.

1. Clean the retainers before each insertion. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste. You may find it easiest to clean the outside of the retainers by brushing them while they are still on your teeth, then removing them to clean the inside surfaces.

Tip: Remember to rinse each retainer thoroughly with water after each cleaning. We also recommend using Invisalign retainer cleaning products once a week or as needed.

Important!

DO NOT use denture cleaners to clean retainers. DO NOT soak them in mouthwash. These products can damage the surface of the retainer, causing it to become matted and more visible.

When to make an emergency appointment with an orthodontist?

You usually see an orthodontist every 7 to 10 weeks. It is a good idea to make an emergency appointment if you experience unusual pain when using retainers, or if the caps attached to your teeth become damaged.

We advise against

When using Invisalign, it is important to take care of your teeth and retainers. Avoid eating sticky or crunchy foods as they can damage the retainers.

You should also brush your teeth after every meal and floss regularly.

It is also important to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages, as they can cause discoloration of the retainers.

In addition, it is advisable to avoid smoking, as it can also cause discoloration of the retainers.

Avoid contact sports or other activities that could put your retainers at risk of damage or loss.

By following these simple tips, you can easily enjoy the benefits of Invisalign and get a beautiful smile in no time.

Would you like to know the price of Invisalign? Read more in this article.

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Gordana Čižmek

Gordana Čižmek

Gordana Čižmek is an orthodontist, entrepreneur, mother, and founder of the dental center OrthoDental, which has offices throughout Slovenia. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in the mountains, cycling, and walking her dog.


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