How to Get the Most Out of Your Invisalign Treatment

Dr. Williams and Dr. Hamman of Williams and Hamman Orthodontics are passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve the smile they dream of having. Every year they put in countless hours to stay up-to-date on orthodontic advancements and to help teach the next generation of orthodontists.

All this training and years of active practice have shown them the irrefutable value of braces as an orthodontic treatment option for simple and complex cases. They have also seen firsthand how braces might not be the best choice for everyone. 

That is why the entire Williams and Hamman Orthodontics team is proud to offer custom-made Invisalign clear aligners for our teen and adult patients. Clear aligners are removable transparent trays that straighten the teeth in as little as six months by applying consistent pressure to the teeth.

You might be wondering how to get the most out of such a flexible treatment, so we have compiled a list of our favorite tips for the best Invisalign experience.

Don’t Forget to Wear Them!

The removability of the trays gives Invisalign patients the advantages of having zero food restrictions and a low-maintenance orthodontic appliance. For the best results, however, you need to wear your aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours a day. So don’t forget to put them back in every time you take them out! Neglecting to wear them can give your teeth time to shift back into their original positions and result in a longer overall treatment time.

We know it can be hard to incorporate the trays into your daily life, especially during the initial adjustment period. The more you wear the trays, the quicker the discomfort will subside.

Call our office immediately if you experience pain when you wear your aligners.

Brush Your Teeth and Trays!

It is crucial to keep your mouth and aligners clean during treatment. Unclean mouths and aligners can host bacteria and plaque that develops into tooth decay and gum disease, which causes pain, infection, and even tooth loss! The bacteria can also result in bad-smelling trays that are not inviting to wear for twenty-two hours a day. All can result in treatment delays.

The good news is that Invisalign trays do not alter your oral hygiene routine and are easy to keep clean! To clean your mouth, remove the trays to brush and floss like normal. To clean the trays, you only need to run them under lukewarm water and gently brush them with unscented antibacterial soap. If you require a deeper clean, you can use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals.

Note: Do not use toothpaste on your aligners! Toothpaste is usually too harsh and can leave scratches that make the aligners uncomfortable and more visible when worn.

Ask Dr. Williams or Dr. Hamman before using any product on your aligners to avoid unintentional damage.

Stay on Schedule!

Each set of trays should be worn for one to two weeks before advancing to the next set. With Invisalign, you will get a series of trays at once that allows you to switch on time at home in seconds!

We know it can be tempting to switch to the next tray a couple of days early or skip a tray entirely. It can seem like you’re speeding the process along. Unfortunately, that is not how it works. The more you try to accelerate the process, the more you slow it down. 

Trying to force on a tray that does not fit can break it, and wearing the wrong tray for too long can alter your teeth’s path. You can cause yourself unnecessary pain and delays in your treatment.

We know you are excited to see your new smile — we are too! To achieve your orthodontic goals as quickly and safely as possible, please follow the personalized treatment plan created just for you by Dr. Williams and Dr. Hamman.

Keep Track of Your Aligners!

The thin, transparent design of the Invisalign aligners makes them comfortable enough for all-day wear but also easy to lose! You might be surprised how many end up in trash cans or stepped on.

To prevent your clear aligners from getting lost or damaged, put them in their protective case when they’re not worn. This case safeguards them from physical harm and makes them easier to keep up with.

At Williams and Hamman Orthodontics, we understand that life happens. Sometimes no amount of vigilance can keep your trays from becoming lost or broken. To prepare for this, we encourage our patients to keep their old aligners even after they switch to the next one. Wearing the previous aligner while you wait for a replacement can keep the teeth from making unwanted movements and keep your treatment plan on track! Please schedule an appointment with our office if you ever need a replacement aligner.

Need more Invisalign information or tips?

We love developing relationships with our patients and watching their smiles transform into everything they want them to be. We strive to create a professional and welcoming environment that encourages healthy habits and provides excellent care. Schedule an appointment at one of our two convenient locations with our experienced team to begin your orthodontic journey today!

Whether you are a new patient who wants to find out if Invisalign is right for them or a current patient who has questions, we look forward to seeing you at Williams and Hamman Orthodontics soon!