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- Invisalign: 6 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before My Procedure
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#1: Is Invisalign Right For You?Keep this in mind: Invisalign is mainly cosmetic so it may not address structural issues.
So get multiple opinions before choosing.
If you can’t commit, then don’t waste your time and money.
#2: Expect a Little Irritation
Invisalign will really bother you the first few days.
Some RealSelf users experience mild irritation as get used to trays of plastic in their mouth, but it's got to be better than this.
While others have said Invisalign kinda feels like a vice grip on your jaw.
Don’t worry: This should go away in just a few days.
And ibuprofen really helps.
#3: Attachments or Buttons?
You might want to jot this down.
Some Invisalign users need things called attachments or buttons placed on their teeth.
These help move the teeth in especially difficult cases.
But be warned: When your aligners are out, they can cause extra irritation.
Try some orthodontist wax. It might help ease the pain.
#4: Eating and Drinking
You need to take out your aligners before eating…
And should always brush your teeth and clean your aligners before putting them back in.
If you’re drinking anything stronger than water, you will need to take them out.
The plus side? Folks say skipping all that mindless snacking helped them to lose weight.
#5: Pucker Up!
And when it comes to romance, Invisalign shouldn’t cramp your style.
So feel free to give your partner a big ol' smooch whenever you want.
One tip, though: You may have a lisp the first couple of days.
#6: How Long Do I Have to Do This, Again?
It depends.
But expect to wear your aligners around the clock for at least six months.
After that, you can probably switch to just a retainer at night.
One retainer doesn’t last forever, though.
Keeping your straight teeth is a lifelong investment.
For more tips from those who've been there, read thousands of first-hand experiences on RealSelf.
Invisalign: 6 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before My Procedure
The RealSelf community has these expert tips to get you ready for life with Invisalign.