What Can I Expect When I Begin Treatment With Clear Aligners?

At Brodsky Orthodontics , we understand that preparation is a huge part of successful orthodontic treatment . This applies to the process of starting Invisalign, too. Our team gets a lot of questions from patients, wondering what to expect when they begin treatment with their clear aligners.

Setting Expectations

So, what can you expect as a patient when you first start Invisalign treatment with one of our doctors, Dr. Joel, Dr. Charles, or Dr. Vistica ? In some aspects, everyone will have a different experience, but there are a lot of common experiences, too. Here are some of the main adjustments you can expect when you begin treatment with clear aligners:

• Initial Pressure: When you first start wearing any new set of aligner trays (but especially your very first set), you’ll notice they fit quite snugly. This indicates that they’re working to shift your teeth. But remember that this discomfort fades within a few days. 

• Speech Changes: The presence of aligners in your mouth can interfere with your normal speech patterns in some ways. Your tongue will need to adjust to the trays, so you might notice a slight lisp when you start treatment, although this problem is rather uncommon. 

• Regular Removal: Taking out your clear aligners after every meal is an important step for your orthodontic treatment plan. The same goes for brushing your teeth every time you eat. This can be a significant change for many patients, but you’ll get used to it in no time.

• Wear Time: Invisalign clear aligners need to stay in for almost the entire day to work correctly—as in, 20 to 22 hours a day. A mistake that some patients make is assuming that they can get by with infrequent wear, but that can significantly impact treatment progress.

• Switching Aligner Trays: Every 1-2 weeks, you’ll be switching to a new and different set of aligners. The change can be subtle, but you’ll still feel it when you start! Tracking the schedule provided by our team is largely in the hands of the patient although we have a phone app to help with reminders. 

• Regular Check-Ups: With any type of treatment we do, attending periodic appointments is a vital step. We set these up at important points during your treatment plan to ensure everything is moving along properly. 

More Helpful Tips

In addition to these, our Brodsky Orthodontics team wants to offer some of our secret tips and tricks that can make the initial shift to Invisalign the best possible experience.

• Stick to Soft Foods Initially: When you first start your new set of clear aligners, tenderness is common. Eating soft foods for this period can greatly minimize discomfort. 

• Carry a Case: One of the biggest aspects of Invisalign is simply keeping up with your aligners. For teens and adults alike, this can present an unexpected challenge. We suggest carrying a hard plastic case with you that is easily identifiable—maybe in a bright color or personalized in some way.

• Plan for Travel: If you’re traveling, bring your current set of aligners, as well as your next set, plus your travel case. You can also make sure you have your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss handy for while you’re on the go.

• Don’t Rush Meals: Remember that cleaning your teeth after meals is a huge step in maintaining your Invisalign treatment. For this reason, try to avoid quick snacks and sugary drinks where you’re inclined to skip cleaning.

• Watch for Stains: Be sure to avoid consuming colored beverages with your aligners in, as they can stain the plastic and affect the appearance of your teeth. These can include coffee, tea, or red wine. Water should be the only thing you drink with your aligners in.

• Change Aligners at Night: When it’s time to change to a new set of trays, doing it at night is usually the best approach. You can sleep through any initial tightness or discomfort, making adjustment much easier.

• Use a Chewie: A “chewie” is a handy tool our team at Brodsky Orthodontics can provide you with to help fit your aligners better. It’s a cylindrical piece of rubber that helps set your trays against your teeth nice and snugly. These are also very affordable to keep on hand at home.

• Be Patient: With orthodontic treatment, you won’t necessarily see results from one day to the next. It’s a long-term commitment that pays off beautifully in the end, but you have to stick with it and stay disciplined. To better visualize your treatment, consider snapping a photo of your smile every few weeks. This can be a great way to motivate yourself!

Getting the Hang of It

Invisalign will always take some getting used to at first—but under the care of our expert crew , we make sure this transition is as easy as possible! If you’ve been thinking about Invisalign, we’d love to see you in our Lakewood office to discuss it further!