Invisalign is quickly overtaking traditional braces as the mode of choice for correcting crooked teeth. Invisalign trays are clear and practically invisible, and you can take them out for eating. They move teeth effectively, with less pain than most people experience with standard braces. However, there are a few challenges that are unique to Invisalign. Discover some simple hacks that can make your life with Invisalign more enjoyable.

Hack 1: Give the Trays a Mouthwash Bath

Do you like having trays that feel fresh and clean? In addition to keep your teeth brushed and caring for your trays as recommended by your Singapore dentist, try soaking the trays in diluted mouthwash once or twice each week. Make sure to water down the mouthwash so it doesn’t stain the trays, and rinse them thoroughly after a 2-3 minute soak. The clean, polished feeling will be refreshing to your mouth.

Hack 2: Use a Nail Buffer for Irritating Edges

You’ll be happy to know that Invisalign trays are far less abrasive and painful to your cheeks and gums than traditional metal braces. Braces have lots of corners and edges that can torture your mouth, but Invisalign trays are made of plastic. There are still some edges that can feel sharp and irritate parts of your mouth, however. Buy a nail buffer and use it to smooth down some of those edges just slightly. Don’t do too much buffing, or you could harm the effectiveness of the tray. If you have very sharp edges and you’re unsure how to fix them, go back to your dentist in Singapore and he can find a solution.

Hack 3: Buy a Removal Tool

The Invisalign trays conform so closely to your teeth that they can be tough to remove sometimes. You can order a tiny tool that helps you quickly and easily pry the trays loose and pop them out. That way, you won’t have to ruin your manicure every time you take the trays out for dinner.

Hack 4: Slip the Tray Out When No One is Looking

No matter how careful you are, there’s probably going to be a string of saliva trailing from your Invisalign tray when you take it out. Instead of sharing that sight with everyone at your lunch table, take the trays out in the bathroom or while everyone is distracted by something else. Put the trays in their protective case, and slide them out of sight in your laptop bag, book bag, or handbag. Later, after the meal, you can return to the restroom to brush your teeth and replace the trays.

Hack 5: Pack a Care Kit

Every time you eat anything or drink something besides water, you must take the trays out; and before you put them back in, you have to brush your teeth thoroughly. Otherwise, tiny bits of food get trapped between the tray and your teeth, and that can cause serious decay. Your aligners could also get stained from the food and drink. Don’t risk your investment! Keep a care kit in your book bag, laptop bag, or handbag, and make sure the kit includes a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.

If you need more ideas and support for your Invisalign journey, contact Orchard Scotts Dental, a top Invisalign provider in Singapore. We provide a variety of services to ensure that your smile makeover stays healthy and beautiful for years. Call today to arrange your consultation with one of our expert dentists in Singapore.

When you work with Orchard Scotts Dental, one of the best dentists for Invisalign in Singapore, you’ll get more than effective straightening for your teeth. You get to experience a cutting-edge system that has over 4 million users already worldwide. We don’t just give you the clear aligners and leave you to fend for yourself; our team at Orchard Scotts Dental is dedicated to ensuring that you are as comfortable and happy as possible with your aligners. Here are some tips, tricks, and hacks to help you get the most out of your Invisalign experience. 

Hack #1. Get a Nail File. 

Nail File

We try very hard to ensure that your aligners fit smoothly and perfectly; however, you may find that your initial set of trays still has a few spots that feel rough or painful. This is normal; your mouth is still getting used to having a foreign object in there. Even though that foreign object is a set of lightweight, thin, transparent aligners, it can still be uncomfortable at first. If there’s a spot that seems to be cutting into your gum at one point, just pick up a nail file or nail buffer and smooth that plastic edge by buffing it gently. Be careful not to buff the aligner too much, or you may damage it. Also, please let us know about any ongoing discomfort, and we’ll help you find a better solution. 

Hack #2. Always Carry Your Care Kit.

Get a small portable bag to keep all your care essentials.

In order to keep your teeth healthy while you’re using Invisalign, you’ll need to be extra careful about your oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing occasionally isn’t going to be enough. Purchase a small zippered case, just the right size to fit in a laptop bag, purse, or pocket, and include items like floss, a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and a retainer case to safely hold your aligners. Take your care kit with you to work or to school, and be sure that each time you eat something, you brush your teeth afterward. If you put the aligner back in with dirty teeth, you increase your risk for cavities, and you may also stain the aligners. Make sure that you also floss after eating if possible. 

Hack #3. Purchase an Outie.

The Outie Tool from http://www.outietool.com/

Prying your Invisalign clear aligners out of your mouth can be tricky. You have to use your fingernails to get each tray out. If you have just gotten a manicure and you don’t want to mess it up, you can use a special little tool called the Outie to help you pop out the aligners. Keep one at home and one in your care kit. 

Hack #4. Use a Timer.

If you find yourself forgetting to put those Invisalign trays back in your mouth after you eat, set a timer. Ideally, you should be wearing your aligners for 22 hours each day to see the best results. When you take the trays out and put them to soak, set the timer for 20 minutes or 30 minutes. When the timer goes off, that’s your signal to get up, brush your teeth, and put the trays back in so they can keep working on your teeth.