While many people shudder at the thought of having metal braces fitted, thanks to advances in dentistry many patients are now able to wear clear or invisible aligners. As the names suggest, these are more visually discreet than regular braces, but can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems. Brilliant!

Despite this, many patients experience the inevitable issues that come with wearing a removable brace; some of these include problems with speech, while others may find their newly-acquired braces a bit insecure at first. However, these are often temporary, but can prove a bit challenging in those first two weeks.

Luckily, we can help!

When you come to Clapham South Dental Centre for Invisalign in Clapham, our team can offer you targeted, personalised advice to help you get the most out of this invisible aligner. Our team has helped thousands of people to improve their smiles using this brace and now, we can help you too!

So, what are some of our team’s tips for getting through the first 2 weeks of wearing an invisible brace? Read on to find out!

Wear for the allotted time!

When you come to us for Invisalign in Clapham, our team will set you a wear time per day. As this brace is removable, it is important that you stick to this time, as failing to do so could extend the overall treatment time.

Typically, the wear time for Invisalign in Clapham is 22 hours per day, but our team will always ensure that you know your exact required time before treatment.

Put them in the case!

When you are fitted with your new braces, our team will provide you with a carry case to keep them in during meals. Make sure you use this case, as simply placing them in your bag when you are out for a meal could lead to damage and increases the risk of you misplacing them.

Carry a toothbrush

When you finish a meal, you will need to brush your teeth before putting your invisible braces back in. So, always carry a toothbrush.

This will prevent food being pressed against your gums, which may lead to plaque and decay; your teeth will thank you in the long run!

Water only

As other drinks like coffee or tea could stain your retainers (and your teeth), it is best to stick to water when you wear an invisible brace. Of course, this has the added bonus of keeping you hydrated!

Protect your tongue

During the first week of wearing an invisible brace, you are likely to notice sores appearing on the sides of your tongue due to the rubbing.

While this can be a minor nuisance for some patients, it can be extremely uncomfortable for others. If you find yourself in the latter group, ask our team for dental wax, which when applied to your brace will soften the sharp edges. It is also worth investing in a peroxide-based mouthwash to minimise the chance of your sore spots getting infected.