Troubleshooting Invisalign Issues At Home
Most of the Invisalign patients enjoy a seamless treatment journey. But in the less common case of you experiencing issues and to help you troubleshoot minor problems from home, the following advice will be helpful.
Don’t hesitate to contact your Invisalign dentist if you have any questions. Most issues can be dealt with quickly and easily over the phone. Occasionally, you may be asked to come to the practice for a closer look.
You’ve lost your Invisalign aligners
If your aligners have gone missing, don’t worry. Start wearing your previous set and give your Invisalign dentist a call. Depending on how long you wore your lost aligners for, you may be able to move straight on to your next set.
TIP: Store your aligners in their case when you take them out to eat, drink and brush.
Your aligners are rubbing your tongue or cheeks
Sometimes a new aligner can irritate your tongue or the inside of your cheeks. Your mouth should quickly adapt, but in the meantime, an ulcer gel such as Bonjela can help.
If your aligner has a sharp edge that’s causing you discomfort, you can try using a nail file to carefully smooth it out. Otherwise, contact your Invisalign dentist and get help to adjust it for you.
Your aligners are making your teeth ache
Your teeth may ache for a day or two when you start wearing a new set of aligners. It is recommended to stick to softer foods for a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol if needed.
You’ve developed a lisp
Some patients experience a slight lisp when they first start wearing their Invisalign aligners. Your tongue may take a few days to adjust, but the more you speak, the quicker you’ll be back to normal.
You have bad breath
If you’re experiencing bad breath, you may need to step up your brushing routine. Make sure you’re following the advice from your Invisalign dentist, and always keep your teeth clean underneath your aligners.
If you can’t brush your teeth after eating, swish some water around or chew gum before popping your aligners back in. Carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with you whenever you can.
You have excess saliva
Again, this is a side effect of something new in your mouth. Keep wearing your aligners, and it should quickly improve.
You can’t remove your aligners
Your Invisalign dentist will have shown you how to take your aligners in and out correctly. However, you may find certain sets more challenging to manoeuvre than others. Once you’ve taken them in and out a few times, they should become slightly looser and easier to manage.
TIP: Put your new aligners in just before bed. They should be easier to remove by morning.
An attachment has fallen off
If an Invisalign attachment falls off, don’t panic (even if you accidentally swallow it). Contact your Invisalign dentist and arrange an appointment to replace it if necessary. Continue wearing your aligners in the meantime.
You’ve forgotten to wear your aligners
It’s essential to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours every day. Otherwise, you could prolong your treatment, or your teeth could start to relapse. If we don’t follow the 20-hour rule, your Invisalign dentist may need to take scans for new aligners, or even restart your treatment.
You’re not happy with your ‘results’
If you’re approaching your final set of aligners, and you’re unhappy about the position of your teeth, there’s no need to worry.
Sometimes, to get the best results, your Invisalign dentist may need to take new scans for additional aligners. This is known as the ‘refinement stage’, and it’s usually included in the cost of your treatment.
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