How can I make sure my child is using Invisalign properly?

Doctor's Answer

Invisalign needs to be worn for at least 22 hours a day for effective tooth movement.

Although Invisalign is popular, its greatest advantage (for patients) is also its biggest drawback. Being a removable appliance, success depends heavily on patient compliance and competency in using the appliance.

Here are some tips to help improve compliance:

  1. Cut down and eliminate snacking: Invisalign has to be removed during eating or consuming beverages (apart from water) to prevent damage to the aligners and teeth (from acidic or sugary food and beverages).

  2. Set a 2 hour timer for meals and toothbrushing: start a reward tracking system if your child can complete these tasks within the allocated time.

  3. Your dentist may have included compliance trackers (blue dot) on the aligners. These will be checked for changes after saliva immersion at each appointment.

  4. Check the aligners: new aligners will feel very stiff because the thermoplastic material has not yet adapted to the teeth.

  5. Make a schedule for aligner changes. Always change to a new set of aligners at night to reduce discomfort from the increased pressure.

  6. Clean aligners daily by brushing with soap and water. This keeps buildup to a minimum which can deter some children from wanting to wear the aligners.

  7. Water can be consumed while wearing aligners.

  8. Most speech issues resolve quicker if aligners are worn for enough time in the beginning.

Your child should maintain twice daily brushing. Flossing can be done more frequently and brushing in between meals is encouraged. A low sugar and starch diet is important to prevent cavities.

Competent aligner use means correct aligner wear. Your dentist will prescribe aligner seaters (chewies) to help adapt the aligner to the teeth surface. Your child should be supervised especially when changing to a new set of aligners. Attachments should be counted and your dentist should be alerted if one is missing.

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