Getting Invisalign? Here’s What Supplies You Should Have On Hand

Undergoing Orthodontic treatment in Sarnia by getting Invisalign takes commitment.  Your teeth are your priority and matter in all aspects of your life! To make things easier for you during your journey, here are some products that you may want to have and use regularly.

When You’re at Home:

• Orthodontic wax: Since the clear aligners are cut from a thick plastic, you may on rare occasion have some sharp edges that feel like they scratch your tongue or the inside of your lip. Having orthodontic wax to cover these areas may be helpful for such situations. For persistent rough edges, call Dr. Davis Dentistry. They will be able to smooth the trays for you.
• Drinking straws: If you want to drink hot beverages like coffee, it’s recommended that you take your aligners out.  Since the trays are made from plastic, they can become warped from extreme temperatures. An alternative is to use a straw to drink hot beverages (but only in moderation.)
• Chapstick: If your lips are dry, rubbing them against the plastic aligners can make them feel worse.  Having chapstick handy will help to keep your lips moist. You could get several tubes and put them throughout your home so that one is always on hand.
• A soft-bristled or electric toothbrush: During your Invisalign treatment, your toothbrush is going to become your best friend.  A soft-bristled brush is the best design to use. It will prevent you from brushing too hard and damaging your gums.  For better brushing results and improved oral hygiene, consider investing in an electric version.
• Floss: If you aren’t able to floss throughout the day, you’ll definitely want to make sure you do it at home.  Saliva helps to flush leftover food particles from your teeth. In the case of Invisalign, your teeth are constantly covered by the aligners, therefore bacteria sits there longer. This is why it’s so important to take time at home to floss every day.

Traditional flossing string works great. If you prefer flossing picks, that’s fine too.  You may even want to invest in a water flosser or air flosser, which can make the process easier. 

• Fluoride mouthwash: Using this product may flush away any food particles that have been left behind, but fluoride itself helps fight against cavities. 
• Acetaminophen: The first day of every new set of aligners may make your teeth sore. A medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) works great to help minimize discomfort.  

It’s also a great idea to transition to the next pair of aligners before going to bed at night when you can take two acetaminophens and sleep through most of the initial discomfort. 

• A retainer cleaning product: To keep your aligners looking “invisible,” you should soak them in a retainer cleaner as needed.
• Denture box: Your Invisalign case is shallow, so if you’re going to soak them in a cleaning product, you’ll want to get a deep container like a denture box. 

• Invisalign chewies: This a soft, foam-like sponge that you can bite on to help you seat your aligners in your mouth properly. Invisalign chewies are especially helpful when first transitioning to the next set of aligners that will be tight the first few days. 
• Aligner removing tool: To begin with, your aligners are pretty snug and may be difficult to remove. Or you may not be a fan of putting your fingers in your mouth to take the trays out. Getting an aligner removing tool is great in this case.  

When You’re on the Go:

• Travel size hygiene pack: Get a small cosmetic bag or something similar that you can carry with you when you go out.  Inside you should keep many of the products you use at home like acetaminophen, a toothbrush, non-abrasive toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, orthodontic wax, chapstick, aligner removing tool, and a spare case.

It’s a great idea to have multiple hygiene packs. Keep one in your car, locker, briefcase, purse, desk drawer, etc. This makes it easier to ensure that you always have the tools you need, and you don’t have to worry about constantly keeping up with one pack.

Getting Invisalign In Sarnia

If you’re considering getting Invisalign, don’t let this list scare you off!  Such products are simply a recommendation that may help make your life easier. Invisalign is as much of a commitment as traditional braces. To find out more about Invisalign or see if you’re a good candidate for this treatment, come see Dr. Karen Davis Dentistry for your complimentary consultation! We look forward to meeting you!