Cleaning Invisalign Aligners

I am happy to endure a lot in pursuit of my Hollywood smile, but one thing that I’m not prepared to suffer is bad breath. I have begged my friends to tell me if they smells even the slightest whiff, but honestly, I think they are too kind to bring it up. Kids, however, are another story and would gleefully revel in letting me know, so it’s them I am relying on as an early warning system.

My orthodontist’s suggestions for caring for your aligners involved cleaning them with a soft toothbrush and water (but no toothpaste) and I read somewhere to soak them daily in a solution of 1/10 parts bleach and water. However, I am squeamish about chemicals,  Not only that, I think the bleachy smell alone is enough to put me off- I don’t want to give myself excuses not to wear them.

 

Consequently, I have developed my own little cleaning system, and am happy to report that three weeks in, both sets of aligners have stayed crystal clear and odor free.

 

**PLEASE wash/sanitize your hands prior to putting them in your mouth- it's disgusting if youre not already doing that- reminder not every wash their hand when they leave the restroom. so unless you want to find out what poop & urine taste like.... WASH YOUR HANDS!!*** 

 

Firstly, and I think this is crucial, I don’t ever eat or drink anything except water while wearing my aligners. I am also absolutely fastidious about rinsing them under running water after I remove them from my mouth. Believe me, this is important -if you forget to do it by the time you come to reinsert them they are less than fragrant.

 

Secondly before I put them back in I do the full brush, floss, rinse routine, almost without exception. The only times I haven’t been able to do this because I have forgotten my toothbrush I have at least flushed my mouth thoroughly with water before putting them back in, and then taken them out and brushed as soon as I get the chance. I do notice when I do this that they have a very slight smell- personally, I don’t think it is ideal, even though an intern from my ortho’s office says she did that all the time.

 

Lastly, when I clean and floss for the last time at night I soak them in a denture bath(a small plastic tub) with water and a Polidenttablet. This gives them a slight pinky tinge, which rinses off under running water, but definitely makes them seem fresher. I should point out that Invisalign expressly recommend against this. I wouldn’t want to lead anyone astray…

                         FYI- MOUTHWASH WILL STAIN THEM OVER TIME

-♥Essie

-I'll post more as I learn more tips and trick of the trade

My invisalign Update: I'm currently one set away from being half way {Today's date: 7/19/11}

Be sure to Visit my youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/Ladyen7

How to brush & floss braces

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Tooth Brushing

Tooth Brushing

When:   2 times per day and rinse after each meal.

With:   A soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

How:   Use  a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste. Use circular motions  around the gum lines and the surfaces of your teeth, 10 Seconds on each  tooth. At an angle, work bristles of brush over, under and past the  wire that runs From one tooth to another. Then brush the chewing  surfaces of your teeth and brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth  as well. Rinse thoroughly.

Dental Flossing

When:   At least 3 times a week.

With:   Dental floss and floss threader.

How:   Insert  floss into threader. Place threader between gums or under the wire.  Floss using an up and down motion along the teeth. When you are  finished look in the mirror to be sure your teeth and braces are shiny  and your gums are firm. If your gums are sore and/or bleeding, rinse  them with salt water. These problems will quickly disappear with proper  oral hygiene.





Additional Aides to Keep Your Teeth Clean and Healthy

      * Water pik
      * Anti-plaque, pre-brushing rinse
      * A fluoride rinse or gel for extra protection
      * Interplak or Rotadent mechanical toothbrushes

Waterpik Tip

The Waterpik can be an incredible help when cleaning a permanent retainer or traditional bracket style braces. I definitely recommend getting the more powerful counter top model. You'll find that after a few uses, not only will it be easier to clean between teeth, but your gums will be healthier as well.

I watch some TV, I've found it to be effective to sit down in front of the TV daily with a toothbrush without toothpaste, and massage the teeth and gums with the toothbrush bristles for about 30 minutes. Thirty minutes gives you plenty of time to do a good job, and makes TV time more productive. Brushing while listening to music or studying is also accptable. The most important time to brush is just before going to bed.  So PLEASE take your time and do it right♥.



-♥Essie☺

Invisalign Aligner/Braces Care

Invisalign Braces Care



Taking care of Invisalign clear aligners is very simple. Every time you brush your teeth you can brush your aligners as well. They can also be soaked and cleaned in a denture cleaner while you are busy eating. The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign cleaning kit. As a secondary method, however, your aligners can also be cleaned by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water.



It is not advisable to remove your aligners at night.



Thanks to the removable nature though, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. In fact, you’re required to remove your aligners to eat and drink. So, unlike undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain fresh breath and proper hygiene. Beside's it's just NASTY!!!! :D


I discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.




You cannot chew gum while wearing your aligners. It will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.

DO NOT EAT M&M's W/ the aligner in --I learned that from experience
If you eat with the aligner in the food will get stuck inside of the aligner where other can see and it's not a pretty site :( **people will stareeeeee

Trays May Cause Some Irritation To The Lips, Tongue, And Cheeks
IF THIS OCCURS:
•Use wax to stop the irritation
•Buff trays with an emery board to smooth rough edges
•Rinse with warm salt water to help heal irritation
•Products like Zilactin-B or a peroxide based rinse can be helpful, and are available over the counter

Things TO DO During Invisalign Treatment:
•Wear each set of trays for at least 2wks, unless otherwise instructed
•Wear each set of trays for 18- 20 hours a day, unless otherwise instructed
•Use denture cleaner tablets to clean trays at least once a day
•Always place trays in case when not in your mouth
•Always remove trays by starting from the back molars
•Always place trays in from the front of your mouth first, and then move to the back molars
•You may drink water while wearing trays or use a straw for dark liquids
•If possible, brush or rinse before placing trays back in your mouth
•Clenching into trays w/ your aligner chewies during the first 2-3 days helps teeth move faster and relieve pressure. Only clench for 30-40 sec each quadrant, and repeat for 5-10 min, but only do this if you have no history of jaw problems
•Wear trays as instructed in sequential order
•Keep 2 to 3 of your previous trays in a clean plastic bag

Things NOT TO DO During Invisalign Treatment:
•Throw away trays
•Leave trays out of mouth for long periods of time
•Chew gum with aligners in your mouth
•Leave trays in hot vehicle, or boil them (They are plastic!)
•Leave trays sitting out for pets or small children to chew on
•Wrap trays in a napkin (You will throw them away!)
•Place trays in your pocket without a case
•Have dental work done while in treatment, EXCEPT for regular checkups and cleanings
•Eat while wearing trays
•Remove trays from the front teeth first
•Drink dark teas, coffee or soda with trays in (Use a straw)
•Set trays on table at a restaurant
•Bite trays into position, this may damage them
•Use mouthwash or toothpaste on trays(the invisalign will become foggy/discolored- really unattractive & nasty/dirty look)

Teeth may begin to feel slightly mobile or loose during treatment, this is normal.


Non-compliant wear of aligners may result in the need for new impressions and additional fees. So were the aligner as instructed by your ortho. Beside not listening to is like giving away however many Thousand$$$ you spent on them... I paid about $6,000(I'm a college student w/ no dental plan... so you can only image I follow everything to a T and always asking questions

-♥Essie

Invisalign 'Invisible Braces' Maker Gets FDA Warning Cosmetic Dentistry

Latest Oral Health News

Zinc Poisoning Linked to Popular Denture CreamsHealth Tip: Why Do I Have Gingivitis?Metal Tongue Piercings Linked to Infection RisksHealth Tip: Brush Baby's GumsReduce Fluoride Levels in Water: U.S. OfficialsWant More News? Sign Up for MedicineNet Newsletters!Adverse Events Not Reported to Agency, FDA Says

By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

Dec. 3, 2010 -- The FDA says Align Technology Inc., maker of the popular Invisalign "invisible braces," didn't tell the agency about several life-threatening allergic reactions to the product.

The FDA learned of the allegedly unreported events during a July 2010 inspection of the firm. In its warning letter, the FDA says Align Technology failed to tell the agency how it was going to improve its reporting procedures.

In a news release, Align Technology says it did send the FDA the information it requested, but that "our response of November 8, 2010 may have crossed in the mail with the FDA's warning letter." The FDA letter is dated Nov. 17, 2010.

Align Technology is based in San Jose, Calif. Company CEO Thomas Prescott told the San Jose Mercury News that the Invisalign system has been used by more than 1.3 million patients.

Some of those patients appear to suffer serious allergic reactions to the product. The FDA letter describes two complaints:

•On Nov. 2, 2007, a patient reported "swollen, irritated, and sore" lips and gums. Similar incidents previously reported to the FDA required hospitalization of the patient.
•On May 11, 2010, a patient reported "a burning tongue sensation, sore throat, ulcerations in the mouth, and swollen lymph nodes."
The FDA letter does not imply that the Invisalign device is unsafe, only that Align Technology failed to make the timely reports the agency needs to monitor safety.

SOURCES: FDA warning letter to Align Technology Inc., Nov. 17, 2010.News release, Align Technology Inc.San Jose Mercury News: "FDA Issues Warning to Invisalign Maker."


Most of this info came from:

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Invisalign Treatment update #2♥

Invisalign teen

Let's face it. You've got school, sports, hanging out with friends. So getting metal braces is not at the top of your list of favorite things to do. You want the confidence of a great smile - let Invisalign Teen® get you there, with the virtual invisibility of our clear aligners.
With Invisalign Teen, you could be straightening your teeth without most of your friends even noticing. You don't have to worry about sharp metal wires and brackets irritating your cheeks and gums - especially handy if you play sports. And if you like popcorn or candy, go for it! With its removable aligners, Invisalign Teen lets you pretty much eat whatever you want. Try doing that with braces!

And don't forget about all the pictures you'll be taking—school pictures, prom, team photos or even just snapshots with friends. Since Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, you can smile confidently while wearing them, or easily take them out for that perfect shot. You won't end up with a lifelong reminder that you were getting your teeth straightened way back when.

While Invisalign Teen works the same way as Invisalign for adults, we've made it even easier for you to track your progress. Each aligner has a Blue Dot Wear Indicator in an inconspicuous location that is designed to fade over a two-week period, letting you know when a new aligner tray needs to be used.

Plus, we know that things can happen, like when you accidentally throw out your aligner with your lunch bag. That's why you get up to six free replacement aligners. Mom will be happy about that

But before you fully decide if Invisalign Teen is the right choice for you, take the Self Assessment, and make sure you discuss your results and how much Invisalign costs thoroughly with your parents. They're the ones who can make this all happen.

Good Luck!!☻

*Majority of this info was obtained from:

-♥Essie
***be sure to follow this blog and post any and all comments and questions bellow ☺

all about Invisalign treatment

Invisalign treatment -->This is a video explaining everything about Invisalign. Enjoy :]

What is invisalign?

What is Invisalign?

About Invisalign

If you want a gorgeous smile and straight teeth, but don’t want the show of metal braces, invisalign is the way to go. Invisalign (commonly misspelled as invisaline) consists of a series of clear trays, called aligners, which are custom designed for your teeth and your teeth only. Barely visible, and less painful that traditional braces, it’s no wonder there have already been over a million people nationwide who completed treatment. Using advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth. These ‘trays’ are made of thermoplastic material.

You change aligners every 2 weeks, so your teeth move little by little. Average treatment time is about a year but varies depending on the severity of your case. Mild cases might even wear invisalign for as little as six months! This is a major plus compared to metal braces, as metal braces typically take a lot longer to get the job done. This is because with metal braces, you have to come in to see your orthodontist about every 6 weeks to get the metal and wires tightened. With invisalign, you change trays every 2 weeks, so teeth are moving and adjusting more frequently. This also makes invisalign a lot less painful than traditional braces because since you’re changing trays so often, you can do smaller movements each time. Whereas with braces, they are tightened less frequently, so you will have a lot of tooth movement with each adjustment, causing much greater pain.

All You Need to Know About Invisalign is Right Here!


The Process

The invisalign process starts out with your first trip to the orthodontist. See our {PROVIDER DIRECTORY} for some suggested providers. Keep in mind that not all orthodontists are licensed to do invisalign, as it takes a lot of training to be able to offer this. Once you decide to do it, your orthodontist will take some molds of your teeth. This is relatively painless but not the most pleasant feeling to have that gooey stuff in your mouth. The whole process takes under 10 minutes after which your orthodontist sends your molds to invisalign. Once they have your molds, they construct a customized video which you will be shown on your next appointment. This video will show how your teeth will move after each tray, and you will basically see the shifting of your teeth from beginning to end result. It’s very motivating to see what your teeth will look like upon completion. Once you approve the video, it could take up to around three weeks for your trays to arrive.

Invisalign ships your complete package of trays to your orthodontist, who will then schedule for you to come in so that they can teach you how to put on and remove your first tray. There are also 2 things that may need to happen before starting your invisalign. This is where the importance of having a really good orthodontist comes in.

1- Attachments – Some cases require attachments, which are little clear bumps that are glued to your teeth and hardened with a light. The purpose of them is to help the aligners shift certain teeth more than others. These are clean and usually unseen, and are removed once your invisalign treatment is complete.

2- Filing your teeth – In some cases, your orthodontist might need to file down your teeth from the sides a bit to create room for your teeth to shift (if your mouth is overcrowded). Invisalign will send them a chart of which specific teeth need to be filed and how much from each tooth.

Once You Begin


Will Invisalign Affect my Speech? Many people wonder if invisalign will impact their speech. Some people may temporarily experience a slight lisp for a day or two. Once the tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, speech will be normal again.

Is Invisalign Painful? Invisalign is generally much less painful than traditional braces. In fact, you mostly only experience some pain and discomfort for the first day or two of each tray, since each tray will be tighter and put more pressure for your teeth to move. It is recommended to put each of your new trays in at night and take an Advil if necessary. This way, your tray will loosen up a bit by the time you wake up.

After starting invisalign, you have to keep your tray on for at least 22 hours each day. That gives you 2 hours a day to have them off for meals and brushing. You CANNOT eat while wearing your tray. You are allowed to drink water. Make sure to never drink any hot beverages while wearing your trays, as this will melt the plastic. According to the invisalign site, you are allowed to have your trays off for 4 hours a day, but this is NOT recommended. When you were given your ‘estimated’ treatment time, it is estimated based on how well you follow your regimen. The closer you stick to your schedule of switching trays and the less you have them out, the sooner you will see results.

Caring for your Teeth and Invisalign Trays

You should be taking extra better care of your teeth while using invisalign! You should brush your teeth after every meal. In addition to that, make sure you brush the trays as well to prevent odor. Most invisalign users will notice an odor when they remove their invisalign, and this is normal but can be aided by brushing the inner and outer part of the trays with the remainder of your toothpaste after brushing. You should also floss every day! In addition to brushing and flossing, we recommend a cleaning agent for your retainer such as RetainerBrite. This will keep your trays clean and odorless. You must soak your invasalign in water with retainerbrite at least ONCE a day, or two if you can fit it in morning and night.

Article created by: http://invisalignfacts.com/