Would you like more information about your orthodontic treatment? Here we have compiled some resources to answer your questions & ease you through your treatment journey.
How often should I wear my Invisalign® clear aligners?
To achieve the best results from your Invisalign® treatment, we recommend that you wear your Invisalign® clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day. This means you should wear your aligners at all times unless you are eating, drinking, brushing or flossing.
How should I clean my aligners?
After brushing your teeth in the morning & at night, brush your Invisalign® clear aligners with your toothbrush & toothpaste, then rinse with lukewarm water. You should avoid the use of hot water as it can warp or damage your aligners. You will need to brush your teeth after each meal, & prior to re-inserting your aligners, to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Will I need a special diet during Invisalign® treatment?
Because Invisalign® clear aligners are removable, you won’t have to adjust your diet during treatment. You can leave your aligners in to drink water, but if you would like to drink coloured beverages, chew gum, or eat food, you should remove your aligner trays. Leaving your aligners in while drinking beverages other than water may stain them & risk tooth decay by trapping sugars against your teeth.
Can I smoke while wearing Invisalign® clear aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discoloured.
Will Invisalign® treatment hurt?
While there will be some initial discomfort after each aligner is fitted, you should not experience pain from Invisalign® treatment. Invisalign® clear aligners exert gentle pressure to move your teeth into position, so your teeth will need a little time to adjust to this new sensation. Any discomfort you experience should ease after a maximum of three days. Ibuprofen or paracetamol should provide sufficient relief during this time.
Will Invisalign® clear aligners affect my speech?
Like all orthodontic treatments, aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, & you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. As your tongue gets used to your Invisalign® clear aligners, these impediments should disappear.
How should I store my aligners when I’m not wearing them?
When you remove your Invisalign® clear aligners, we recommend you store them in the provided aligner cases. This will help protect your aligners from loss & damage. Designate the blue aligner case for your current-stage aligners. When it is time to advance to your next stage, transfer the previous aligners to the red case. Always keep the most recently used aligners in this case. A simple way to remember this process is ‘BLUE NEW, RED DEAD’.
Note: Keep past aligners in a clean plastic bag, out of reach from children & pets.
How often will I need to come in to the clinic?
It is your responsibility to follow your schedule at home & change your aligners on the dates specified by your Specialist Orthodontist in your bespoke treatment plan. There will be regular appointments to visit us (usually every 4-6 weeks) so that your progress can be monitored & new sets of aligners can be given to you. It is important to keep your Invisalign® appointments so that the treatment moves as quickly as possible & you receive your new aligners at the proper time.
What happens if my aligners are lost or no longer fit?
If you lose your aligners, or have trouble wearing a new set, switch back to your most recent previous set of aligners & contact our practice as soon as possible. If you are due to change aligners soon, you may move on to your next set of aligners.