If you’re one of the lucky people who have Invisalign clear aligners then you know all they offer you. You understand that they make your teeth straight, improve your smile, but also improve your overall confidence and feelings about yourself.

Newcomers might not know a lot about Invisalign and they may be using them just because they are told to by their orthodontist in Philadelphia. But there are many secret things that people should be aware of when they are using Invisalign. But remembering a few under the radar tips and tricks, people can find all of the many benefits that come from installing and maintaining their set of Invisalign aligners.

Here is what you need to know when you are starting your oral health journey.

Keep An Extra Pair

Misplacing or losing your aligners is a real pain and can ruin your day. Sadly, it’s an issue that is faced by quite a few Invisalign users. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There is a good method to keep your smile healthy, even when you’re out and about during the day. 

To make your life easier you should try to store an aligner case in multiple locations that you can easily access. Think about your bag, your car, your place of work, and of course on your nightstand too. Doing this will help you save a lot of money, avoid stress, and reduce the cost or replacing aligners with new ones.

Taking Them Off In Public

Taking out your aligners when you are out in public might seem uncomfortable or awkward, but with some practice, you can do it quickly and without turning it into a huge spectacle.

When you’re trying to swiftly and smoothly take them off, use your index fingers to grab hold of the aligner close to the molars in the back of your mouth. Once you have a good hold of them, softly wiggle the aligner and then free them from your teeth.

If you need to, you should keep a small mirror with you for pressing situations and carry a tissue or napkin to keep yourself nice and tidy and not make a mess.

Soak Them

Understandably, these one-of-a-kind aligners might become stained over, especially if you like a nice few cups of coffee or tea everyday.

Thankfully for you, Invisalign cleaning crystals can help maintain the overall look of your aligners. At the same time, a homemade solution of diluted vinegar solution with water can get the job done too. Make sure to soak your aligners for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then clean them gently using a soft toothbrush.

Stay Hydrated

Here is a tip that a lot of people might not think about: staying hydrated is key to getting the most out  of your aligners. Yes, drinking a lot of water will ensure that your teeth and oral health are exactly how you want them to be.

The unfortunate truth is that using these special aligners might sometimes result in a pesky dry mouth. But you can avoid or minimize this by drinking a lot of water during the day. And hydration doesn’t only help your general health, but it also keeps your mouth fresh and clean for the duration of your time with these aligners.

Make Sure You Follow The Timetable

The effectiveness of your Invisalign aligners depends on you wearing them for about 20 to 22 hours each day. That may sound like a lot of time because, frankly it is. But it’s easy for you to lose track of time and not wear them as much as you’re supposed to, but that is a huge mistake. Therefore, you may need to use a timer or smartphone app that will monitor the duration you have worn them. This way you can be sure you’re doing things the right way and not losing the necessary time needed to straighten your teeth as instructed. 

If you are someone who tends to forget, you should set alarms to help you remember to put the aligners back in after eating.

Plan Your Meals

Snacking can be a problem with your Invisalign because you need to take out your aligners and brush your teeth every single time after.

But if you are eating a lot, there may come a time when you are eating so much that it seems you hardly have your aligners in. Therefore, it’s vital that you organize your meal schedule. Knowing when you’re going to eat and sticking to your schedule will reduce the need to constantly take out and put in your aligners. It takes a little bit of work but it’s worth it because it ensures the aligners will be in your mouth as much as needed. 

Changing Before Bed

Changing to a new set of aligners could lead to a little bit of discomfort as your teeth adjust to the different pressure of a new set. To help with this change, you should try to  switch over at night time. If you do this, you will rest through the somewhat complicated adjustment phase and wake up with teeth that have already started to adapt. You won’t have to feel the discomfort and will only know the results.

Talk To Your Orthodontist

Perhaps most importantly, you should remember to always communicate with your orthodontist for just about any question you may have. There is no problem too small, or too large, that they can’t give you guidance on.

These experts know everything about Invisalign and will help you down a healthy and happy path. You shouldn’t be afraid of asking questions. Remember, this is about your health after all so you should take it seriously at all times, no matter what is going on. So, always feel free to reach out to your orthodontist in Philadelphia if anything seems wrong. It might be a misfitting aligner or perhaps some unexpected discomfort, but whatever is bothering you can be addressed with communication that can avoid bigger problems and ensure your treatment plan remains on course.