Invisalign is a clear, simple way to straighten teeth without metal braces. Using a set of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign helps move your teeth into a better position without wires or brackets. Each aligner is custom-made through 3D imaging and expert planning by your dentist.
How Invisalign Works
With Invisalign, you wear each set of aligners for about two weeks. You should only remove them when you eat, drink, brush, or floss. As you switch to the next aligner in the series, your teeth slowly move, week by week, until they reach their final position.
Most patients finish Invisalign treatment in about 9 to 15 months, but each person is different. You will likely wear between 18 and 30 aligners in total, depending on your case.
To make sure your treatment is on track, you’ll come in for a check-up about every six weeks. Our Plano, TX dental office offers Invisalign along with other cosmetic dental services, so you have options to improve your smile.
Invisalign Instructions for Patients in Plano, TX
We’re here to help you get the best results from your Invisalign treatment. Following these instructions will keep your aligners working well and make sure your treatment goes smoothly. If you have questions, please call us for support.
How to Wear Invisalign
For Invisalign to work, you need to wear the aligners as much as possible—ideally 22 hours each day. Only take them out when you eat, drink anything other than cool water, or clean your teeth. Be sure to wear each aligner for the amount of time your dentist suggests. It might feel loose after a while, but keep wearing it to make sure your teeth and their roots are moving as planned.
If you miss a few days of wearing the aligners, pick up where you left off. Wear that aligner for at least 10 days before moving to the next one. You should call us if this happens so we can guide you through a new schedule.
Putting In and Taking Out Aligners
To put in your aligners, gently press them over your front teeth first. Then, use your fingers to push down on the back teeth until the aligner snaps into place. Make sure it sits fully down on each tooth, especially around any small attachments on the teeth. If it isn’t all the way down, it won’t work as it should, and the next aligner might not fit right.
To take them out, start at the back teeth, pulling gently from each side, then lift them off the front teeth. Always rinse your aligners in cool water and store them in their case when not in use. Avoid pulling them off with sharp objects, as this could damage the aligners.
Storing Your Aligners
Whenever you aren’t wearing your aligners, keep them in their case. Don’t leave them wrapped in napkins, and don’t put them in your pocket where they could be damaged. Store them in a cool, dry place. Never throw away any old aligners—you might need them later, so bring them to your appointments.
If you lose an aligner, call our office right away. If you still have the last aligner, wear that one until you can get a replacement. Be aware that there may be a fee for replacing lost aligners.
Keeping Aligners Clean
Clean your aligners each time before you put them back in. Use a soft toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to brush away any food or buildup. Rinse them well under running water before putting them in your mouth.
Avoid cleaning aligners with mouthwash, alcohol, or bleach, as these can damage them. Never put your aligners in hot water, as this can cause them to lose their shape.
Important Daily Tips
- Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss as usual with the aligners out. Try to brush after each meal before you put the aligners back in to prevent food from getting trapped, which can cause discomfort and slow progress.
- Eating: You can eat whatever you like, but remember to take your aligners out before eating. Chewing with the aligners in can damage them.
- Drinking: Take your aligners out before drinking anything other than cool water. Other drinks can stain the aligners and increase the chance of decay by trapping sugar against your teeth.
- Gum and Smoking: Don’t chew gum with aligners in, and try to avoid smoking while wearing them as it can cause stains.
If a small attachment (or “bump”) on your teeth breaks off, let us know. Sometimes it needs to be reattached to keep the aligners working properly.
Other Common Experiences
Most people feel a bit of pressure or soreness for the first few days after starting each new aligner. This is normal and a sign that your aligners are working. The soreness should ease up after a few days. If it doesn’t, please give us a call.
Aligners may feel a bit loose before it’s time to switch to the next one. This is normal and just means your teeth have moved as expected.
It’s also common for aligners to cause a slight lisp at first. This should go away as your mouth adjusts to them.
Important Tips to Get the Best Results
Invisalign works best if you wear it as directed by your dentist. Not wearing them enough or switching aligners too early can slow down your progress and even cause new problems. Regular brushing and flossing are key to keeping your teeth healthy during treatment. Skipping oral care or drinking sugary drinks with aligners in can lead to tooth decay or stains.
In some cases, your bite may change during treatment. If this causes any discomfort, let us know so we can make adjustments if needed. At the end of your treatment, your dentist will check your bite to ensure everything is aligned properly.
Some people also notice a change in saliva or dry mouth with aligners in, which usually goes away as your mouth adjusts.
Ready for a Straighter Smile?
If you have any concerns or issues during your treatment, we’re here to help. Call Texas Dental in Plano, TX at 972-636-4522, or schedule a visit with us online. Our team will support you through every step of your Invisalign journey, so you can look forward to a healthy, beautiful smile.