Invisalign® clear aligners are a different experience from traditional braces, and it takes a few days to adjust. At Weeks Orthodontics in Winter Springs and Oviedo, FL, we walk every patient through what to expect — from the first tray to the last. Dr. Travis A. Weeks and Dr. Shadiya Hasan have treated hundreds of Invisalign® patients and the most common question we hear is “what is it actually like to wear these every day?”
Wearing Your Aligners — The 22-Hour Rule
Invisalign® aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to stay on schedule. You remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. That is it. Most patients forget they are wearing them after the first week. The aligners are smooth, clear, and custom-molded to your teeth using iTero® digital scanning technology — there are no wires or brackets to irritate your cheeks or lips.
According to Align Technology, the manufacturer of Invisalign®, the average patient switches to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. Each new tray moves your teeth incrementally closer to their final position.
Eating and Drinking With Invisalign®
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign® over traditional braces is that there are no food restrictions. Remove your aligners, eat whatever you want, brush your teeth, and put them back in. The key is not to eat or drink anything other than water while wearing the aligners — coffee, tea. And colored drinks can stain the plastic, and food particles trapped under the aligners can cause cavities.
Some patients find it helpful to carry a small travel toothbrush kit. If brushing is not possible right away, rinsing your mouth with water before reinserting the aligners is an acceptable short-term solution. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing after every meal when undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Keeping your Invisalign® trays clean is straightforward. Rinse them every time you remove them. Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented liquid soap — do not use toothpaste, as the abrasives can scratch the plastic and make the aligners cloudy. Align Technology also sells Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals, but soap and water works just as well for most patients.
Never soak your aligners in hot water — the heat can warp the thermoplastic material and ruin the fit. Lukewarm water only. Store your aligners in their case whenever they are not in your mouth — we have seen patients lose aligners wrapped in napkins at restaurants more times than we can count.
Discomfort and What to Expect
When you switch to a new set of aligners, you will likely feel pressure on your teeth for the first day or two. This is normal — it means the aligners are working. The pressure is a lot less than what patients report with traditional braces adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help if needed, but most patients find the discomfort manageable without medication.
Some patients notice a slight lisp during the first few days of wearing a new tray. This goes away quickly as your tongue adjusts to the plastic. Speaking, singing, and playing musical instruments are all possible with Invisalign® — many of our teen patients at Weeks Orthodontics Oviedo are active in school band and choir without any issues.
Appointments and Check-Ins
Invisalign® appointments are usually shorter and less frequent than traditional braces visits. Most patients come in every 6 to 10 weeks so Dr. Weeks or Dr. Hasan can check progress and provide the next sets of aligners. No wire changes, no tightening — just a quick check and you are on your way. This is a big advantage for busy adults and students who cannot afford to miss work or school frequently.
After Invisalign® — Retainers
Once your Invisalign® treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position. This is true for every orthodontic treatment — braces or aligners. At Weeks Orthodontics, we provide custom Vivera® retainers, which are made by the same company that makes Invisalign® aligners. Most patients wear their retainer full-time for the first few months, then transition to nighttime-only wear.
Skipping retainer wear is the number one reason teeth shift after treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends retainer wear indefinitely to maintain results. We check retainer fit at follow-up appointments to make sure everything stays on track.
Schedule Your Invisalign® Consultation
If you are considering Invisalign® and want to know what daily life with clear aligners looks like, schedule a free consultation at Weeks Orthodontics. We have two convenient locations in Winter Springs and Oviedo, FL. Call us at (407) 327-7737 or book online today.