Choosing to start orthodontic treatment is a big decision at any age. You can expect to have to make some adjustments to your daily life as you get used to eating, drinking, brushing and living with an orthodontic appliance.

While Invisalign might make life a little easier for orthodontic patients, there are still a few things you need to be aware of. Being clued up on the potential perks ad pitfalls of treatment is one of the best ways to make sure that your treatment can progress successfully. You can read more about this in our day-in-the-life with Invisalign post.

If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth with Invisalign, here are a few things you can expect in the first day, week and month wearing your aligners.

First day with Invisalign

If this is your first time wearing an orthodontic aligner, it might take some time to get used to. The aligner is designed to fit snug over your teeth and it might take some time for you to learn how to put it in and take it out again. You can also expect a little discomfort as your gums, cheeks and tongue get used to sharing their space with a plastic aligner.

Some people notice their speech is slightly different as they get used to talking with a piece of plastic over their teeth. While it might feel overwhelming, to begin with, you will quickly get used to wearing your Invisalign aligners.

First week with Invisalign

By the end of your first week with Invisalign, you should have adjusted to the changes in your mouth and will now be accustomed to the plastic over your teeth. Your speech should now return to normal and you’ll be a pro at taking out and popping in your aligners.

The biggest adjustment in your first week will be getting used to cleaning your teeth and cleaning your aligners. You might find it annoying to have to take them out to eat, and then rinse them before popping them back in.

This irritation will soon pass as you learn to save time with simple steps like soaking your aligners while you eat and always carrying a case around with you. Making an Invisalign survival kit to take with you will certainly help to avoid any awkward mishaps.

First month with Invisalign

After the first month, you’ll be an Invisalign pro. You’ll have your routine sorted out and you will have also gone through your first (and maybe even your second) aligner change. Changing your aligner for the first time can be scary, and it might feel like it’s never going to fit. With a little patience, you’ll learn how to gently manoeuvre the aligner over your teeth.

By this point, old habits of snacking will have died down and you will probably be accustomed to only drinking water throughout the day rather than sipping on sugary or hot drinks. Your diet may also have changed for the better, as you won’t be reaching for foods that are likely to stick to your teeth.

You will have a chance to return to the dentist for a checkup to confirm everything is progressing as it should. You might have a lot of questions about what you can and cannot do with Invisalign, so we recommend writing them down as you think of them so you don’t forget anything.

Not sure if Invisalign is right for you? Teeth straightening is no longer just for teens. So if you’ve always wanted a perfectly straight smile, or if you had braces as a teen and your teeth have now drifted out of alignment, orthodontic treatment is still an option at any age.

To learn more about how Invisalign can transform your smile, get in touch with our team to book a consultation today.