Invisalign clear aligners are designed to allow you to continue to live your life the way you want, while still providing the orthodontic treatment you require.
While your life will likely not be altered too drastically when you begin orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners, there will be a few things that you will have to be mindful of. You will have to brush and floss your teeth more diligently and more frequently, for one.
You will also need to keep your clear aligners safe while they are not in your mouth to help them remain clean and fresh. The following are a few of what our dentists consider to be the essentials to keep with you for the duration of your treatment.
A pouch.
To start off, you will need a pouch to keep all of your Invisalign maintenance items in. This pouch will need to be made from something durable that you are comfortable with tossing into a bag, backpack, desk or locker. You will also want this pouch to be zippered and have a water-resistant lining.
Your aligner case.
When your aligners are not in your mouth, they should be clean and stored in your aligner case. Keep the case with you at all times so that you have a safe, clean place to store your aligners while you're eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
Those who do not carry their aligner case with them have a higher chance of breaking or damaging their aligners, which will cause delays in treatment while you wait for the tray to be replaced.
Lip balm.
You can keep your favorite lip balm in your kit. Orthodontic care is often accompanied by dried lips, especially while getting used to wearing your aligners. Be ready so that you don't experience any extra discomfort.
Travel toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste.
Each time you take out your aligners to eat, you should brush and floss your teeth afterward. You really don’t want food particles and debris stuck between your aligners and your teeth for the rest of the day, so be sure you brush and floss thoroughly before putting your aligners back in your mouth.
“Outie” Aligner Removal Tool
Sometimes, your aligners will just be especially tight, particularly when you first switch over to a new set. This handy tool will help you detach your aligner from your teeth in these cases.
Mints or breath spray.
You can't chew gum to help with bad breath while wearing Invisalign clear aligners. So to manage those days where you at something really garlicky for lunch, sugar-free mints or a breath spray will be there to help.