How to Adjust to Invisalign® with Ease

Invisalign® is a great alternative to traditional braces for teens and adults who want to straighten their teeth and improve the appearance of their smiles. The Invisalign system allows you to achieve results faster and more comfortably than with metal braces.

At Park Dental, we offer Invisalign treatment plans personalized to your unique smile and dental challenges.

YooKyung Park, DDS, and our compassionate dental team use the latest technology to create a series of clear aligners that correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other dental issues.

What to expect from Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are made with clear, durable SmartTrack® materials that fit over the surface of your teeth, similar to a night guard or sports guard. The aligners gently shift your teeth into a healthier position while you wear them without the need for invasive procedures or routine adjustments.

Dr. Park creates a series of aligners you wear for a specific treatment time. You change out your aligner every week or two to progressively straighten your teeth.

The clear aligners are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. You can also remove them easily to brush your teeth and eat or drink.

Because you need to wear your aligners exactly as prescribed to maximize your results, you can expect to go through a brief adjustment period to get used to the fit of your aligners. We offer guidance to ensure you use the Invisalign system correctly and as comfortably as possible.

4 tips for adjusting to Invisalign treatment

Initially, your Invisalign aligners may feel strange in your mouth until your tongue, teeth, and jaw adjusts to the materials. However, not using the aligners like you’re supposed to can change the outcome of your treatment.

Here are a few adjustment tips to follow to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment:

1. Follow your custom schedule

The Invisalign technology we use accurately predicts how each aligner will shift your teeth, so it's crucial that you follow Dr. Park’s recommendation for wearing your aligners.

Keep your aligners in place for the full 22 hours (or the amount of time Dr. Park prescribes), even if they initially feel a little tight. Only remove your aligners for eating and brushing your teeth, so your mouth has time to adapt.

2. Transition to new aligners at night

When it’s time to change to a new aligner, transitioning while you sleep can be a more comfortable experience.

Your aligner won't irritate your gums because your mouth doesn’t move as much throughout the night. You also won’t be distracted by the strange feel of the new aligner in your mouth like you might be during the day, so you’ll be less tempted to remove it.

3. Focus on soft foods for awhile

The pressure from an aligner on your teeth and gums can make your mouth more sensitive, making chewing foods slightly uncomfortable.

During the first few days with a new aligner, try to eat soft foods or drink nutrient-dense smoothies. If your gums are very irritated or you have trouble eating, speak with our dental team about your options for pain relief.

4. Stay focused on the endgame

Making any type of change can feel overwhelming, so it’s important that you stay focused on your goals.

Keep in mind the beautiful smile waiting for you at the end of your treatment whenever you feel frustrated.

Call Park Dental in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York, to schedule an Invisalign consultation. You can also book an appointment online to find out how Invisalign can work for you.