I use a metal fingernail file to smooth rough areas. You may need to use an exacto knife to trim first, being careful not to cut into the area where the tooth sits.
After 21 months, I am on my last invisalign tray. I was a pretty major case, as I had a pretty large overbite. (I went to 3 orthodontists who wouldnt give me regular metal braces without breaking my jaw.) I had to have two teeth pulled to allow for movement of the other teeth with the Invisalign. Initially it is quite an adjustment getting used to everything. (I cried, and was on the phone and in the office a lot at the beginning.But hang in there, it gets better, and is totally worth it. I have buttons and for a while had rubberbands, which attach the top and bottom trays to each other, to pull the upper front teeth back. The dr. told me in the beginning that at some point during the treatment, we might re-evaluate and make new molds/trays, but that never happened, and was on course the whole way thru. If you have irritation or rubbing or sharp areas, you can trim them with an exacto knife and smooth down the rough areas with a metal fingernail file (suggested by dentist). I was nervous about doing this at first, and kind of angry. After all, I paid thousands of dollars, wasnt that his job? So the dental asst did it for awhile, until I became comfortable filing, etc. It's better to do it yourself anyway as you know where it is rubbing. Other supplies would be oral gel or some other type of over the counter topical oral pain med, and sensodyne toothpaste if your teeth are sensitive. If you have areas that are sharp or have to wear the rubberbands, ask the dentist to give you dental wax. It is what they give pt with the metal braces. It will smooth over any irritating areas. (FYI: do not use anti-inflammatory meds, like Motrin, Aleve, as it is the inflammation of the gums by the trays that causes your teeth to move. interesting, huh?) A plus is that you can whiten your teeth with prescription whitening gel, right in your trays (this will also help to clean your trays). There is a product online that you can buy to clean the trays. My dentist did not have in his office, and I did not use it, but that is an option. If you decide to whiten your teeth, your teeth are probably already sensitive so ask your dr for MI Paste. Applied before and after whitening, it will help with the sensitivity. In two weeks, after whitening like crazy, I will have new molds made, as there will be small spaces left (as I had teeth pulled). Then they will remove the buttons and fill in the spaces with veneer that will be matched to the color of my newly whitened teeth. And not sure yet, but I think these final trays will be used periodically as a retainer at night, and for whitening maintenance. I know this may sound overwhelming, but every case is different. A friend had his for 6 months and is done. And I told you every little thing, so maybe you will be more mentally prepared than I was. And remember, mine was a long case. But even if I knew all of this, I probably would have done it anyway. I am 55yrs old and have been wanting this fixed since my 20's. (AND my dentist just got Invisalign for himself, so now he can relate! I told him to call me anytime!Ha!)
I am 54 yrs old. I have had my invisalign for 8 months. Believe me I've had every problem (My two front teeth have straightened considerably, so hang in there) In the beginning, my orthodondist told me to buy a fingernail file (the metal kind) and an exacto knife. Just use the file to smooth over rough edges. I used the exacto knife to trim near the gums as they were rubbing causing irritation. There should NEVER be any gum pain, so if there is tell your dr. right away. I also had attachments (buttons) as my trays would "pop" up. After the attachments, that stopped. I also have rubberbands to pull the top front teeth back, so to have these, they have to cut slits into each side of tray, top and bottom trays. These slits also have to be filed. Another tip is that when you change your trays (as they will be very tight and uncomfortable for a couple of days) I use Orabase by COLGATE, it is an oral anesthetic. Just use a q-tip to smooth over your gums. This is over-the-counter. I also find it helpful to change your trays at bedtime. So as you can see, I have done a lot of adjusting. None of which I was told during the sales pitch. But after you wear a couple of trays, you will know what to do to make them more comfortable. I still have 8 more months to go, and may still have to have different molds made in a few months. I was told about this possibility up front. Because I have always wanted braces, and have waited this long to have them, I guess I'm willing to do whatever to have a good outcome. Just communicate with your dr. On the bright side (braces vs invisalign) you can take them out and have a break once in a while. I'm upset that I didn't know all of the work that it takes up front, but I would have gotten them anyway. It just depends on how bad you want it, I guess.
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