The beginning of any orthodontic treatment is exciting and a little daunting. You don’t know what it will be like to have this experience until you’re living it. While it helps to keep the goal in mind – a straight, healthy smile – it’s a good idea to live day by day so you can take proper care of your Invisalign and follow the rules of this treatment to get the best results. Day one will not look or feel anything like day five, 10, or 100. The first day is its own special set of 24 hours.
Weirdness
It will be strange to have Invisalign aligners in your mouth almost around the clock. If you have attachments from the beginning, these will be a little weird too – small bumps on your teeth that are most noticeable when you have the trays out. The odd feelings, though, will be reserved for day one and only a few days after that. Soon enough, you’ll forget you have the aligners in and feel better about speaking and smiling with Invisalign.
Pressure
Orthodontics of any kind move tooth crowns and roots into their proper positions, and this creates pressure. Don’t be surprised to experience pressure and general discomfort for the first 24 hours or so while you adjust. The ache will diminish as the days go on, but you’ll feel it again when you switch to a new set of trays in about two weeks. Pressure is a good thing – it means Invisalign is working.
Lisp
Yes, you could lisp a little as you get used to Invisalign. Speech is affected by the smallest of changes and when you suddenly have aligners on both top and bottom teeth, how you talk will be impacted. On the first time, try to find a sense of humor about this silly side effect and trust that it will disappear quickly and no longer draw attention to what’s happening with your teeth.
Soreness
Invisalign trays move teeth efficiently and start to work as soon as they’re in place. Even though you have the green light to eat whatever you want with Invisalign when the trays are removed, your teeth are likely to feel sore and tender. If you’re hungry but your teeth are sore, you’ll find yourself sticking with a conventional braces diet – soft and cold foods like smoothies, pastas, puddings, yogurts, ice creams, and the like.
Difficulty
It takes practice to learn how to remove Invisalign trays without too much trouble. Your Red Bank dentist will offer guidance to make this task as simple as possible but on that first day you can expect to slobber on yourself or poke your gums or cheeks until you figure out the best routine and methodology. You may find that you need a special tool to remove the trays so you don’t damage your nails.
Discover If Invisalign Is Right for You
Day one of Invisalign is a challenge, but it’s not insurmountable. Knowing a little of what to expect helps set the stage for what’s to come and making it through the first day means the rest will be easy. Be patient, follow the rules, and your new smile will be revealed in no time. Find out if Invisalign is right for you from Red Bank Dentistry. Schedule a consultation.
