Your Guide to a Smooth Invisalign® Treatment
Invisalign® clear aligners allow your natural smile to shine without changing your image or inconveniencing your lifestyle. Our orthodontist specialist in South Florida, Dr. Stephen Grussmark, has created a convenient Invisalign guide so you can navigate your treatment with minimal issues and flawless results. If you follow all of these tips from our Diamond Plus Invisalign provider, you’ll enjoy an easy and smooth Invisalign treatment!
Forgetting to Wear Your Aligners
If you’ve forgotten to wear your aligners for the required 20 to 22 hours, there are a few details you’ll have to consider. If it’s only been one or two days, you can make up for it by wearing your aligners for one or two days longer than expected. If it’s been a week or longer, your teeth may have shifted, and we encourage you to call our Miami office at (305) 441-1200 and we can discuss the next steps.
Tip: Wearing your aligners as advised by Dr. Grussmark is crucial to achieving the desired results. Invisalign recommends wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day to be effective, only taking them out to eat, drink, or clean your teeth.
Losing/ Breaking Your Aligners
Losing or breaking your aligners can put a wrench in your treatment. If you’re nearing the end of your current Invisalign cycle, you may be able to replace your current set of trays with your next set. If you’re at the beginning of your treatment, you can wear your previous trays and give our office a call so we can order you new aligners.
Tip: Since the trays are clear, they can be hard to keep track of. Keeping your protective case with you will make it easier to find them and prevent damage.
Experiencing Bad Breath
Bad breath is a possible sign of bacteria buildup in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. If it persists, contact our office so we can get to the bottom of it.
Tip: To ensure your oral health is in optimal condition, our Miami dentist recommends you brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse between meals. In addition to your regular oral hygiene routine, you should brush your aligners when you brush your teeth. It’s also important to rinse the trays under lukewarm water whenever you take them out.
Difficulty Putting Aligners in
When you start a new set of aligner trays, it may be challenging to get them in at first. We recommend Invisalign Chewies or Movemints® to get a better, more comfortable fit. Bite down on the chewy or Movemint in areas where you see air bubbles to close the gap between your aligners and teeth.
Tip: Wearing your aligners for the recommended time will help your aligners fit properly and ensure you’re on track with your treatment.
Difficulty Taking Aligners Out
When you switch to a new set of aligners, it can be difficult to remove them. We recommend attempting to grip them with a paper towel or surgical gloves and slowly taking them out. Some patients prefer to use an Invisalign brace hook.
Tip: Our Miami orthodontist advises starting your new aligner cycle at night, so your teeth can adjust to the aligners while you sleep. When you wake, your teeth will have shifted enough to easily remove your aligners.
Sore Teeth or Gums
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort as your teeth adjust to a new set of aligners. Any soreness should subside within a few days. If you experience prolonged periods of pain, contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Grussmark so he can assess your situation.
Tip: You can manage your discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or cold compresses..
Difficulty Speaking with Clarity
Talking with a slight lisp is common as you adjust to wearing a new set of Invisalign aligners. As your tongue gets used to the new aligners in your mouth, you should notice your lisp dissipate.
Tip: Practicing pronunciation with Invisalign will help you overcome your lisp. Many patients notice it goes away within a few hours of beginning the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Invisalign change your face shape?
Invisalign may change your facial features if you’re using it to treat crooked teeth or an occlusion, such as an overbite or underbite. As your jawline shifts, your facial features can appear more symmetrical.
Invisalign typically softens certain features, such as the jawline, so they’ll blend with your face’s natural contours. If you’re wondering if clear aligners can help address your orthodontic issues, explore our guide to Invisalign candidacy.
What is the best age to get Invisalign?
Our Miami Beach orthodontist recommends waiting to receive treatment with Invisalign until a patient’s permanent teeth emerge, which typically occurs around the age of thirteen. During this time, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Grussmark to discuss the benefits of Invisalign Teen®. This modified Invisalign treatment accommodates a growing facial structure and even includes a blue dot indicator for parents to monitor their teens’ treatments.
Does Invisalign turn teeth yellow?
Without proper Invisalign care and maintenance, your aligners or teeth may become stained during treatment. There are a few ways you can prevent your pearly whites and trays from becoming discolored, including:
- Avoiding smoking
- Avoiding foods and beverages known to stain teeth (wine, berries, dark sodas, coffee, etc.)
- Cleaning your teeth before reinserting your trays
- Brushing your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse between meals
In addition to following these guidelines, you’ll want to schedule biannual exams and professional cleanings with our South Miami orthodontist. During these visits, we’ll remove any plaque and tartar buildup to leave your teeth looking their absolute best.
What do I do if my Invisalign isn't tracking?
If you’re wearing your aligners for the required 20 to 22 hours per day and notice gaps between your teeth and aligners, it may indicate an issue with tracking. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Grussmark if you notice these gaps. He’ll assess the situation and likely recommend backtracking, in which you’ll return to wearing aligners from previous treatments.
Don’t attempt to backtrack without first speaking to our orthodontist in Miami, as it may result in damage or further complications with your Invisalign treatment.
Set Your Treatment Up For Success With Our Miami Orthodontist
As the only Diamond Plus provider in Dade County and South Florida, Dr. Grussmark completes hundreds of Invisalign cases each year. Each treatment is customized to fit your specific orthodontic needs so you can smile, speak, and enjoy your favorite foods without worry!
If you have any questions or concerns about Invisalign, don’t hesitate to contact our Miami office by calling (786) 563-4973. You can also get in touch by filling out our convenient online contact form and a knowledgeable team member will be happy to assist you. We welcome patients in Brickell, Coral Gables, and Key Biscayne, FL.
