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If you are considering getting Invisalign in Mississauga, you may be wondering what the first few days of your treatment will be like. According to Invisalign dentists, many people take some time to adjust to wearing their aligners all the time. Here are a few tips to help you get through that critical first week.

Tips and Tricks for the First Week of Invisalign in Mississauga

1. Protect Your Tongue And Cheeks

Many people report experiencing soreness in their cheeks and tongue when they first start wearing Invisalign aligners. The aligners rub against the tissues in your mouth, causing irritation and possibly even cuts if you are not careful. You can minimize the discomfort you feel when wearing your aligner trays by avoiding running your tongue over them. This will help you avoid disturbing the trays and causing more friction against your cheeks. You may still feel some pain at first, but this sensation will quickly fade as your mouth gets used to the trays. You can also rub wax on any sharp spots to keep them from damaging your oral tissues further.

2. Develop Good Oral Hygiene Habits

You will need to practice excellent oral hygiene during your Invisalign treatment to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. Be sure to:

3. Practice Speaking and Singing

Some people develop a slight lisp while they adjust to wearing Invisalign trays. To restore your normal speech as quickly as possible, practice speaking and singing often during those first few weeks. You can do this with friends and family or by yourself. The more practice you get, the more you will get used to forming words with the trays in your mouth. Eventually, you will be able to speak and sing just like you used to before your treatment began.

4. Try Soft Foods

Getting Invisalign in Mississauga does not require a long-term special diet, but sticking to soft foods for the first week of treatment may help alleviate some of the soreness that occurs during the adjustment period. Try eating foods like soups and stews, pudding, ice cream, and pasta to make yourself more comfortable while you get used to your trays. After a few days, reintroduce some hard foods into your diet. Gradually keep adding hard foods as your chewing tolerance increases.

5. Wear Them as Much As Possible

Successful Invisalign treatment requires that the trays be worn for at least 22 hours every day. This means that you should almost never have yours out of your mouth unless you are eating. It may be uncomfortable to wear your aligners at first, but it is important to push yourself to keep them on. Practice wearing them as much as possible in the first few days, only giving yourself brief breaks when absolutely necessary. This will help you build up your tolerance for the discomfort more quickly.

6. Treat Your Pain and Discomfort

There is no need to suffer through the pain of wearing Invisalign trays without any relief. Use over-the-counter pain medications as needed to get the discomfort under control. You will not need to do this for the entire duration of your treatment, so there is no long-term risk to this strategy. It simply helps keep you comfortable while your mouth adjusts.

7. Use Chewing Movements to Seat Your Aligners Properly

Seating your aligners snugly against your teeth will make them less uncomfortable to wear. You can do this by biting down a few times each time you put your trays in your mouth. Your dentist may also recommend using chewies, soft bits of plastic that provide slight resistance when you bite them. Many people find it easier to use these tools during this process, but remember to clean yours regularly! Without diligent hygiene, you may end up spreading harmful bacteria around your mouth.

8. Remove Your Clear Aligners Safely

While you can use your fingers to remove your clear aligner trays, this may not be the most optimal method for you. Many people find it difficult to get a good grip on their trays with their hands alone, leading to uncomfortable struggles and even gum injuries from their fingernails. If you have a hard time removing your aligners, there are small plastic hook tools you can use to help you. Always take your time and be gentle with your aligners and your teeth and gums.

9. Keep Your Trays Clean (And Clear)

Aligner trays can easily become stained if they are not cleaned properly, ruining the discreet appearance that makes this form of treatment so popular. Clean yours regularly to keep them stain-free. Take special care to avoid exposing them to dark-coloured food and drinks like grape juice, coffee, tea, or tomato sauce. If you accidentally consume any of these items with your aligners still in your mouth, clean them immediately to avoid letting the stains set in.

10. Avoid Using Toothpaste and Mouthwash to Clean Your Aligners

Always clean your aligners with soap and water or specially formulated aligner cleaner, not with toothpaste or mouthwash. Many toothpastes contain tiny abrasive particles to help buff stains off your teeth. These particles could scratch your aligners and create crevices where bacteria could fester. Mouthwashes, on the other hand, contain dyes and colourants that may stain your aligner trays.

Visit Trillium Smile Dentistry for Invisalign Treatment

Are you ready to begin your Invisalign treatment? Contact Trillium Smile Dentistry today. Our team will schedule an appointment for you and answer all of your questions about Invisalign, your personal treatment plan, and anything else you want to know.

Also Read:

• How to Prepare for Invisalign Treatment in Canada
• A Complete Guide to Invisalign