Invisalign trays quickly become part of your daily life, and it's really a case of set and forget—setting them into position and then forgetting that they're there. In the early days of using Invisalign, it can be easy to forget that you're wearing them, but you'll quickly remember when you accidentally chew gum (which is messy) or drink coffee (which can stain your trays). You'll soon get into a schedule that works for you, but is there a best time of day to change your set of trays for the next in the series? 

Best Timing

You'll be wearing your trays for around 22 hours per day, or as directed by your orthodontist. Soon you'll work out the best timing for meals, hot drinks, oral hygiene and all the various things that can't be accomplished while your trays are in your mouth. In terms of the effectiveness of your treatment, there's no best specific time of day to change to a new set of aligner trays. But when it comes to your comfort as a patient, changing over your trays should become a bedtime ritual.

Mild Discomfort

There can be some mild discomfort when changing to a new set of trays. Invisalign aligners rely on the firmness of their grip. This gives them the traction they need to gradually reposition your teeth into the correct alignment. This tight grip is most obvious when changing to a new set of trays. Before going to bed, remove your existing trays. You can then brush and floss your teeth. You're now ready for your new set of trays. 

Chewies

To make sure your new trays are correctly fitted, you might want to obtain some Invisalign chewies. You can ask your orthodontist about these, but they're little more than small pieces of foam that you bite down upon. This helps to gently push your trays all the way over your teeth for the best fit. This can make the fitting process more comfortable and can alleviate any sensation of tightness.

Pain Medication As Needed

As you continue through your treatment, the feeling of tightness will likely become less noticeable with each new set of trays. In the early days, you may want to take some over-the-counter pain medication (like aspirin or ibuprofen). You won't need a high dose, and your usage will taper off as your orthodontic treatment continues. And then by the time you wake up in the morning, your new trays will already have begun to reposition your teeth, so any initial discomfort will have faded.

Because you have to wear your trays for all but a few hours each day, you'll find it convenient to start scheduling your day around your trays—and this includes when to change to a new set.

Reach out to a local service provider to learn more about Invisalign.

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