Dr. Brent Engleberg offers Invisalign to patients who are looking to treat mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Many patients are ecstatic to begin their Invisalign treatment because of all the amazing benefits it offers when compared to traditional metal braces. After you’ve received all of your aligners from your Arlington Heights dentist, it’s important to know what comes next. Here are some tips for patients who are beginning their Invisalign journey:
Wearing Your Aligners
Invisalign aligners must be worn on an average of 20-22 hours a day for your treatment plan to be successful. Plan on only removing your aligners to eat and drink anything besides water. If possible, brush your teeth and rinse off your aligners after eating and drinking, as well as before re-inserting. Never place your aligners in a napkin, on a lunch tray, or in your pocket or purse. When your aligners are not in use, place them in your provided Invisalign case to prevent them from being lost or broken.
Storing Your Aligners
Now that you’ve received your aligners, it’s important to store all of them in a safe place to ensure that you do not misplace them. Patients are given a significant portion of their aligners upfront the day that they begin their Invisalign treatment. Your doctor will provide instructions on when to switch to a new set of aligners. Aligners are numbered, usually on the molars. For example, aligner #1 will say “U01” for the upper teeth, and “L01” for the lower teeth. Patients should save all of their aligners in their original numbered bag until their treatment is complete. Keep all of your aligners away from pets, as they are likely to mistake them as a chew toy!
Expect Some Soreness
While Invisalign takes away many of the inconveniences associated with traditional braces, patients should still expect to experience minor discomfort while undergoing treatment. Usually, patients will experience tooth soreness for a few hours after switching to a new set of aligners. Advil or Tylenol can be used to manage your discomfort. If there is a rough edge on your aligner that is bothering your mouth, you can smooth down the edge using a nail file. It is best to change to a new set of aligners right before bedtime so that you can minimize discomfort.
If you are interested in pursuing Invisalign treatment for yourself, schedule a consultation with Dr. Engelberg, your Arlington Heights dentist. We look forward to helping you create your dream smile using this amazing system of clear braces.