How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Invisalign® Aligners?
Many dental patients have to rely on orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth and correct their bite. Traditional braces are extremely effective in treating malocclusion problems, but they come with a few downsides, including the bulky feel and appearance of metal brackets and wires. Invisalign® offers a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
Invisalign® uses a series of clear, plastic aligners to gradually improve the position of the teeth and jaw. Most patients find that Invisalign® aligners are far more comfortable and convenient than regular braces, but it does still take some time to get used to them.
Dr. Louis Buono prepares patients for how long it takes to adjust to Invisalign® aligners after starting treatment at our Long Island, NY dental practice, Garden City Smiles.
Initial Adjustment Period
Invisalign® treatment will begin as soon as the patient’s set of custom aligners has been picked up from our dental practice. Once patients have their aligners, they should begin wearing them right away.
Although patients are encouraged to remove their aligners when eating or brushing their teeth, it is important to keep them in for at least 22 hours a day. This may be difficult at first, because the aligners will feel strange and, possibly, uncomfortable.
The Invisalign® aligners fit closely over the teeth and should not shift around. But it can still feel odd to have a plastic sleeve sitting over the teeth.
It will take some time for the teeth, tongue, and gums to adjust to having aligners in place. With persistent use of Invisalign®, most patients adjust to wearing their aligners within a week or two.
Of course, patients will switch to a new aligner tray about every two weeks. So, will patients need to adjust every time a new set of aligners is needed? For the most part, no.
Once the patient is accustomed to wearing aligners, they should not feel much of a difference between each set. The differences between aligners trays are so subtle that the patient should notice nothing more than a slightly closer fit with each new set of aligners. Some patients experience minor discomfort in the first day or two of wearing the new aligner tray.
Making Invisalign® Adjustment Easier
It can be frustrating to wait for the Invisalign® aligners to feel natural and comfortable, but there are several tips that patients can try to make Invisalign® adjustment easier:
- Resist removing aligners. The more often aligners are worn, the quicker the adjustment period will be over
- Use over the counter pain medication as necessary to control discomfort
- Consider using orthodontic wax to prevent soft tissue irritation
- Distract yourself with fun, engaging activities
Get in Touch
If you want to straighten your teeth without the use of traditional braces, you owe it to yourself to find out if you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign®.
To learn more about this popular teeth straightening treatment, contact us at your earliest convenience by calling (516) 294-0375. Dr. Louis Buono is ready to work with you to achieve your ideal smile.
