What Can I Expect for My First Week With Invisalign®?

If you’re just about to start your clear aligner treatment, our Grand Rapids, MI, Invisalign® dentists know how excited you must be! You’re one step closer to your dream smile, after all. Still, the first week with aligners in place can seem a bit daunting if you don’t know what your day-to-day will look like.

To help, here’s what you should keep in mind as you navigate this initial phase with clear aligners.

What Will Wearing Invisalign Feel Like?

Knowing what to expect can ease your transition into wearing Invisalign. Initially, you may experience some discomfort or pressure on your teeth, which is a sign that your custom clear aligners are working to shift them into the desired position. It’s also normal to have a slight lisp as you get used to speaking with the aligners in your mouth.

Learn More → How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign®?

Our local Invisalign dentists recommend you practice forming words with the aligners in place as much as possible, and read aloud if needed. Don’t panic if you sound a little different after starting Invisalign treatment; your tongue will adapt to the aligners, and the lisp will typically disappear within a few days.

With Invisalign, You’ll Want To:

Wear Your Clear Aligners Consistently

One of the most crucial aspects of successful Invisalign treatment is consistency. You should wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth. Consistent wear ensures that your teeth move according to the treatment plan that our dentists created and helps you achieve the best results in the shortest possible time.

Ease the Discomfort When Necessary

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking out Invisalign for adults or teens, the process will still work similarly to traditional metal braces. The main difference, obviously, being the absence of brackets and wires. However, because you’re straightening teeth with clear aligners, discomfort is often one of the biggest challenges during the first week.

You can alleviate any mild pain you’re feeling by:

• Using Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help dull the discomfort felt by the new trays.
• Trying Cold Compresses: Placing an ice pack wrapped in a towel on your cheeks can reduce soreness and swelling.
• Switching Aligners Before Bed: If it’s time to switch to a new set of aligners, do so before bedtime. This way, you can sleep through the initial period of increased pressure on your teeth.
• Eating Soft Foods: Stick to foods that are easier to eat like soup, yogurt, eggs, steamed vegetables, and more for the first day or so until your mouth adjusts.

Above all else, keep wearing your aligners and don’t take them out just because you’re not enjoying the feeling. It’s tough, but you’ll thank yourself later for your determination now.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Just like your natural teeth, you should be cleaning clear aligners at least twice daily to ensure they do not stain or accumulate bacteria. It is also encouraged that you run the aligners under lukewarm water every time you take them out. Many patients find it easiest to clean them at the same time they brush their teeth throughout the day. That way, your oral hygiene with Invisalign never skips a beat and everything stays fresh!

We recommend always having a handy care kit with you during clear aligner therapy that includes a separate toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, and a case. This way, you’re prepared when you’re at work or school and want to do more than simply rinse the trays off after a meal.

Generally, it’s best to clean your clear aligners by:

• Rinsing them with water (never hot)
• Gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or clear, unscented soap
• Thoroughly rinsing them after brushing is done
• Storing the aligners in a protective case when not in use

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day while wearing Invisalign aligners helps keep your mouth clean and reduces dry mouth, which can be a common issue with aligners.

Dry mouth is exactly how it sounds. It’s essentially a condition in which an individual’s salivary glands do not produce enough natural saliva to keep their mouth wet. When it happens, it can feel uncomfortable, but if it’s only caused by a lack of water, it can be easily fixed.

Remember to take your clear dental aligners out if you plan on drinking anything other than water or you could risk staining them. Hot beverages like coffee or tea can also potentially damage the aligners so putting them in their case until you’ve finished your drink is the best move. Also be sure to avoid overly sugary and acidic drinks, as they can increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay.

Manage Your Eating Habits

While Invisalign clear aligners are removable and allow you to continue eating most of your favorite foods, it’s essential to manage your dietary habits carefully. After all, you only have a few hours in the day when your aligners don’t have to be in to enjoy meals or small snacks.

In short, munching on chips or candy is not as easy as it used to be. Now, you have to take your trays out, eat what you’d like, clean your teeth thoroughly, and pop the aligners back in place. This can make you increasingly aware of how much you snack outside of larger meals and depending on how you look at it, can help you make more conscious food choices.

Use Your Aligner Cases

Always carry a case from our Grand Rapids, MI, dental office for your clear orthodontic aligners to protect them when they’re not in your mouth. This prevents loss or damage, which can disrupt your treatment schedule. Avoid wrapping them in napkins or placing them in your pocket, as this increases the likelihood of misplacing them!

Give Our Office a Call Today

If you need something at any point during your treatment or have questions, our Invisalign dentists in Grand Rapids, MI, are here to help! Call Contemporary Family Dental today at (616) 209-3969 to schedule an appointment.