Visit 5 - Invisalign Time

Monday 25th March - 3.15pm

Turns out I wasn’t listening properly at my last appointment because I thought at today’s appointment I was getting IPR, however to my surprise, I was actually given my first Invisalign trays!!! Buzzzzzzing.

From having my first ever consultation at Queensway on 11th Feb, I had my Invisalign trays by 26th March, which I think is a really quick turnaround.

Today I was given two sets of trays (Trays 1 and Trays 2) and told to wear them both for 2 weeks each. Exactly 4 weeks later (on 25th April) I need to come back in for my attachments, but for now I just need to wear my aligners for 22 hours a day. No Dental Monitoring or anything is needed at this stage.

For this appointment I was seen by one of the nurses and she went through everything I need to know about wearing Invisalign and answered any questions I had. We sat in one of the consulting rooms and she showed me how to put the trays in. (I will do a video on this!).

I was given this amazing little pack which comes in the nicest looking, branded bag and really makes getting braces feel as trendy and fashionable as it possibly can!

In the pack I was given:

• Leaflets

• VITIS Orthodontic Cleansing Tablets

• 2 x Sets of Trays

• Invisalign Holder Case

• Chewies

• Aligner Removal Tool

The nurse told me the following:

Wear Time

I need to commit to wearing my aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day and can only remove them to eat, drink, brush or floss. I can drink cold water with them in but having with anything else they need to be removed, teeth brushed, then popped back in. The nurse said it’s important to brush after every meal, before placing my Invisalign aligners back in your mouth, as food residue can get stuck behind the aligners and cause my teeth to stain and get cavities.

Cleaning

Aligners must be cleaned with cold water, not hot, as this can warp the plastic and melt them into a different shape. They can be cleaned by brushing them with a normal toothbrush and rising them. I was also given some VITIS Orthodontic Cleansing Tablets to soak my aligners in if I feel they needed a really deep clean.

Flossing

The nurse said it was extremely important to floss every day with a non-waxy dental floss. The reason for this is if you used a waxed one the wax can sometimes come off and stick in between your teeth and this can stop any movement that needs to happen.

Chewie’s

I am to use Chewie’s to help fit new aligners properly. See this blog on exactly what they are.

Don't Lose Them

You would be surprised at how many people lose and misplace their aligners. The nurse said because they are clear they are really easy to lose and dogs especially love chewing them to pieces! There is a cost associated with loosing an aligner so be extra careful with them.

Don't Throw Out

You should store all of your old aligners and never throw them out, as sometimes you are asked to repeat a week of them if your teeth haven't moved into the right place. Keep them safe in the Invisalign Holder Case you are give in your welcome pack. Additionally, on the off chance that you lose or break an aligner, you may have to use your old ones temporarily.

Going Out

One of the questions I asked was 'What about nights out?! I can't be expected to take them out every time I want a sip of my drink on a all day session at York?'. The nurse told me they would rather me have my aligners in, than out. She said to keep them in but try drink through a straw and stick to clear, non-sugary drinks such as Gin & Tonic, Vodka & Lemonade and White Wine.