Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Invisalign treatment can forever change your smile into a perfectly aligned masterpiece deserving of the red carpet in Hollywood. However, going through daily life poses challenges for Invisalign wearers. From having a restaurant server accidentally throw your aligners away to keeping your aligners stain-free, the struggle is real. That is why Dr. Christine Tenaglia, a leading Okemos Invisalign provider, shares nine can’t-live-without Invisalign hacks to help you navigate your teeth-straightening journey.
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Your Invisalign Case
It is crucial to treat your Invisalign case like a best friend that goes everywhere and does everything with you. No matter if you put it in your pocket, purse, or backpack, your case can protect your aligners from damage when not wearing them. So, keep your case with you at all times to have a safe place to store your aligners.
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Avoid Chewing Gum
Chewing gum and plastic do not mix well together. The gum can stick to your aligners, making it difficult to wear. Therefore, avoid chewing gum while wearing your aligners. Our Invisalign provider in Lansing advises patients that if they must chew gum, do so without the aligners in their mouth and choose sugar-free gum to prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria that can get trapped underneath your aligners. However, keep chewing gum instances to a minimum, as you should wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day.
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Wearing Lipstick or Gloss
Some patients express their concern with the ability to wear lipstick or gloss while undergoing Invisalign treatment. Finding the right product can make a difference in wearability. Matte lipsticks may perform best once set and dry. Try a few products from your local retailer and find one that works for you. Choose your lipstick shade wisely, as darker or brighter colors are more likely to stain your aligners.
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Switch Before You Sleep
Throughout the day, you eat and drink, causing constant interruptions in your alignment progress. Our Invisalign provider in Okemos explains that switching to a new aligner while sleeping provides uninterrupted time to begin the next phase. Also, starting a new stage could cause slight discomfort, which could be less noticeable or more manageable while asleep.
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Avoid Food Colorants
Lollipops, colorful candies, and other food that contain dyes may cause staining to the aligner tray material. Unfortunately, aligner stains may be difficult to remove or permanent. The discoloration is likely permanent, and you will have to wait until you begin your next stage for a clear aligner. Also, avoid candies and sweets while wearing your aligners because the sugar accumulates underneath the aligner providing a food source for harmful bacterial growths and increases your risk of cavities and teeth staining.
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Dental Travel Kit
Dr. Tenaglia, a leading East Lansing Invisalign provider, advises patients to keep a dental travel kit in their car, purse, briefcase, or at work to reduce harmful bacteria production. Invisalign patients must put clean aligners on their clean teeth to prevent adverse reactions to the treatment process. Although it can be a challenge to brush your teeth, rinsing thoroughly with water or mouthwash and removing food debris stuck between your teeth will reduce the food impact on your oral health.
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Use an Outie
Removing your aligners can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, there is a handy tool that can make removing your aligners a breeze called an outie. Using the tool helps you eliminate the need to put your hands in your mouth. Pack your outie when you leave your home to make removing your aligners easy on the go.
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Soak Your Aligner While Eating
When enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner while at home, soak your aligners in denture solution to clean and freshen them. The Okemos Invisalign provider near you recommends using a toothbrush to gently brush away any accumulated bacteria or solids from your aligners for a better clean.
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Smile
A crooked or gapped smile may cause you to be self-conscious when smiling. However, you are working on your smile all day, every day. Therefore, try to smile more and share your Invisalign experience with others.
Invisalign Provider in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Obtaining a straight smile for someone with gapped, twisted, or crowded teeth can seem overwhelming. However, by using the above tips and the advice of a board-certified Okemos Invisalign provider, you can have a positive experience with quality results. To find out if Invisalign is the proper treatment for you, feel free to call Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733 or schedule an appointment online.