What are
/r/Invisalign's
favorite Products & Services?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
The most popular Products mentioned in /r/Invisalign:
The most popular Services mentioned in /r/Invisalign:
Meetup
SemanticScholar
ImgBB
Mayo Clinic
Groupon
The most popular reviews in /r/Invisalign:
They have a gum you can chew with aligners! It's called Active gum and it's made just for us! I ordered it on Amazon.
2 Duo Packs of Active Chewing Gum (40 Count) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093CF2RVS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_Z6DF518N3Q0GET977M3V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Orthokey is hands down the best $10 I ever spent. Makes getting the trays out 100x easier - can do it on the fly in 5 seconds if needed.
I use Glide - it’s not hard and cheap feeling like others I’ve used and they have regular or mint!
Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Deep Clean Dental Floss, Cool Mint, Count 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00240MO2G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-lj6Db99A6SH9
Use your chewies, get an Orthokey. I'm on tray 13/22. I switched from weekly to bi-weekly swaps and the pain when changing trays decreases immensely.
Good Luck!
Edit: they sell the chewies on Amazon too.
This is what we have and I know many people in the Invisalign facebook group who have the same thing.
You should be able to get more from your ortho. Call your office and see if you can come pick some up. Weird that you’d have to buy your own. But I found these on Amazon by searching the parameters so they’re the same strength just a different brand
JMU Orthodontic Elastics 1/4 Inch Heavy 500 pack Intraoral Elastic Bands Latex Dental Rubber Bands Made in USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NCRDMVG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_J4EQ1PHFX8SF8FSFDX9X
Now that im done, and people ask if i recommend invisalign, the first thing i mention is the pain. The product is amazing and has changed my life but oh my god the pain i felt for the first week or so was unreal. If you've had braces then you likely know but if you never have, then damn there is nothing that can prepare you for it. I wanted to rip my teeth out of my head, i wanted to give up, i wanted to cry, but i didn't.
It DID get better and every time i changed a tray it got less painful and turned into just a tight feeling that also lasted less and less time. Give it time, it is normal, and it does go away with time. I found that i had the longest discomfort when i would take my trays out to eat. I couldn't eat chips for so long because my teeth just couldn't handle the crunch. Takes time but soon you'll be eating nuts and chips and not have to think about the pain.
Also get an ortho key! This changed my life and made taking painful trays out so much easier. You got this! The end result will be SO worth it!!
I..I don't understand how this works. Is this basically chewing on the toothbrush head? I don't know. Also, it is expensive, not cheap, as per this Amazon listing.
I use Trayminder myself. Simple and well done.
Any time there's a big change in our lives, we have moments of discouragement. It's normal. 😊 I went through that also. Today is the end of day 5 for me, and it's already much better.
Snacking urges will get better every day. Make sure to plan all you want to eat during your "off" time. I do:
- - 15 mins early in the morning (small yogurt + coffee),
- - 30 mins late morning (real breakfast + coffee),
- - 45 mins late afternoon (dinner) +
- - 15 mins before bed (for a real good brushing + floss).
Total = 1 hour 45 mins off + 15 mins "just in case"
To help remove your trays, get yourself an orthokey. Your fingers will be happy again.
Use some lip balm, or more of it if you already do. My lips also are getting drier than usual. It helps.
It's not just you. And it'll pass. Hang on, you can do this and you'll be happy you did. 😊
Everyone's pain level is a little different. Most people agree that the first two or three days of treatment are the worst, so at least you're getting that out of the way!
The standard advice around here is to use Sensodyne toothpaste (or other brand specifically for sensitive teeth) and treat the pain with Tylenol (not an NSAID like Advil or ibuprofen, which may affect tooth movement). Pain, pressure, and sensitivity tend to be the most noticeable on the first day of switching to a new tray, so a lot of people will pop a Tylenol a few hours before switching, as well.
Personally, I've found that keeping my diet as soft as possible tends to really help. Early on, even eating something as firm as pizza was enough to move my incisors around by tearing bites off--so I stuck to things like yogurt, smoothies, pasta, and soups and generally avoided "disturbing" my teeth when the trays were off.
Last tip from my first week, straight up... a mini vibrator was a lifesaver for me. You can buy purpose-built "ortho vibrators" for $40, or you can get the same thing without all the price gouging from other sources--ideally something soft and silicone.
Just be sure to get a foam making bottle if you don’t have one already! That’s where all the magic happens! Best of luck.
Looks like they don’t sell them individually tho.
WhiteFoam On-the-Go Clear Retainer Cleaner for Invisalign, Dentures, ClearCorrect, Essix, Vivera & Hawley Trays/Aligners. Cleans, Kills Bacteria, Whitens Teeth & Fights Bad Breath (50ml - 1 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BRNCC8W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RF0EBGJSBHM5QBDS8XYM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 this is my favorite. It whitens teeth and cleans the trays. My trays have been spotless!!
It’s like this thing was made for teeth maintenance.
I have my case, portable toothbrush, toothpaste, 2 x chapstick, floss, flossers, and a titanium spork lol. You never know when you need a utensil.
This guy is slim, has no bulges, and fits in my back packet, coat pocket or my backpacks side pocket perfectly.
All my friends I’ve shown this too have said “man I wish I had that when I had my Invisalign” so I just had to share.
Link: Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Electronics Carrying Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H5QPDH2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_zor.FbZ1G3RJC
Mine gave me one type, which was like a hard plastic stick I bite on.
I didn't like those as much so I bought some rubber(?) ones on Amazon. Like these
Yes 100% floss and brush after every meal. Otherwise you're trapping sugars and acids against your enamel and just holding them there with your trays.
As for getting the trays off, pick up an Ortho Key and try a few different approaches with it--pull from different parts of the tray--until you find the easiest way to pull them out. I have 20+ attachments and can get my bottom tray out just by popping the back right molar from the outside and then kind of gently twisting it loose from the front teeth. For the top tray, I pop the rear right molar from the inside, pry the tray loose from the molars, and then hook the very front of the tray to pull the whole thing out.
Here's a video by an orthodontist about removing trays. Definitely recommend checking out her channel and downloading the Trayminder app as well.
My hygiene improved drastically (gums and sensitivity) when I started using an electric toothbrush, despite good brushing habits. I would seriously consider buying the Oral B Pro 1000. It's currently $40 on Amazon, but often is available for $30 when a coupon is available.
I was told that I could drink anything that’s clear without any sugar, but I just wanted to hear some feedback from everyone.
I’ve been drinking this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MB245WZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_49XFNWA43XJZ798ZH188
I use one of my kid’s snack containers. Air/water tight. Fits my removal tool.
Can’t find the exact ones but similar to this:
I’ve read others getting snack containers at the dollar store with airtight lids and they work fine.
Carry a little kit with you:
one Ziploc-type container, smallest that will fit your trays.
in the container: one chewie, travel toothbrush (soft), elastics (if needed), orthokey
when you stop to eat, put water in the container, remove your trays, rinse with water + brush gently, and let soak. The lid of the container acts as a clean surface to keep the other stuff on while you eat.
you can do the "real" brush/floss thing back at home.
I usually do rinse them before putting them back on and I use an ultrasonic + cleaning tablet daily. I use these dental appliance wipes sometimes when I’m on the go though — maybe that could help.
If your attachments do get tinted, there's a cleaning/whitening foam you can buy that should bring them back to white. Ever Smile sells one, and I'm trying another atm (I really like it). 😊
You should look into getting an NCase - it connects via Bluetooth to your phone and will alert you if you get too far away from your case (like you're trying to leave the house and don't have it with you), it also has a push notification set up that keeps notifying you every 15 minutes if your aligners are out past the "time out" limit.
I was part of the beta and I love the case. It's annoying but that's part of the reason it's great - it's supposed to be annoying! Plus if you have issues you can message them in the app and they respond super fast. I can't say enough good things about them.
Not the person you replied to, but this is the one I use everyday and it does the job well.
Oops I forgot what it was called! It’s called WhiteFoam There’s other brands too. I make my own by mixing 3/4 hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 mouthwash in a foam sprayer.
The orthokey that I received when I got my trays has been immeasurably helpful in getting them off. But it doesn't look anything like the one you've shown here. It looks like these ones from Amazon:
But I agree with the other commenter here that I've found it works best starting from the back working inside first
Honestly, I'm on Tray 15/33 and I have not felt any pain. Just the initial mild tightness when putting a new tray in. I put my new tray in at night before bed and by morning I don't feel anything. I am on weekly changes so I just assume that my ortho is just doing small movements, because they are definitely moving and my ortho continues to say everything is moving along as expected. I had crowding on my lower front teeth and a narrow bite (mild) that is being corrected.
I use these daily to clean my aligners, just soak them for 15 minutes and then I use a clean toothbrush to scrub them (no paste, grainy toothpaste can cause cloudiness).
$20 for 120 tablets, so 3 months if you use daily. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GGDRPNF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_RFNPEG5X29G4VC6PCFQ5
My trays are out 3 times a day and that’s it. I don’t snack. I love this set: Retainer Box Sets Retainer Case Partial Denture Box with Aligner Removal Tool and Invisible Chewer for Oral Care, Mouth Guard and Denture Storage (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RDHRQ8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BHT5BK4G6X8R6CMX7AAS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The pull tool is my savior to get my trays out.
You'll get an Invisalign branded case when you get your trays.
I ordered generic ones from Amazon. Got 6 for less than $15. Doesn't have to be fancy. Here's the one I ordered:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B078KFMFV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bQJ.Eb3A1806J
I can relate. My problems with being social started when I was diagnosed with food allergies. It became such a hassle to eat out or go to the bar, that I stopped going. Even now, I will go out with people, I just nonchalantly don't eat, or bring my own bottled water or whatever. And I tend to avoid holiday event, like going over all day to someone's house because of my allergies. I am not sure, honestly, if getting the invisaligns will change that. Heck, they might give me a more socially acceptable way to avoid eating/drinking when I go out. The whole "it's such a pain to take these out to eat, I'll be fine with just water." That way you can safely avoid eating relative's bad cooking, or nasty buffet food.
As for being social. I work from home, and have these allergies. It can be really isolating. I find two things help me, maybe they'll help you. I signed up at Meetup.com and found some meetups around my work and hobbies. They're really casual and are usually in a public place, like a coffeehouse or restaurant. No pressure. And there are a few coffeehouses near my home that I go to with my laptop and do work there. I'm out among people, but can get work done with no one really hassling me. I get to know some of the regulars, chat with the staff a little, nothing too invasive.
I'm not a drinker, so that's kind of it for me. I do a lot of online stuff; meetings, twitch live streams, forums (like this), but I do have to leave the house to be human sometimes. And not just getting groceries either. On the upside, being less social does save me money. That is a win.
I've heard suggestions of using an emery board to file the sharp bits. Haven't tried it myself though
Sure! I got these: Retainer Case,Solid Orthodontic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FHH6PNT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I’ve had these since I started last December and can confirm these cases comfortably fit my aligners (with room for an orthokey and a chewie).
I have some nerve damage in my hand so it can be really hard for me to grasp the tray for brushing. I use this cleaner instead of brushing. My orthodontist said to only brush with water, so I feel like this accomplishes the same thing. If I’m not at home I just rinse with water.
I am less strict about brushing/flossing than most people who post here. I brush and use mouthwash in the morning, brush OR mouthwash after lunch/dinner, then brush, floss, and mouthwash at bedtime.
My pain was awful for the first 3 days, then day 4 was muuuch better. Hang in there, it's normal for it to hurt in the beginning. I took ibuprofen and it helped just a little.
This tool saved my life because it was sooo hard to get the invisalign out of my mouth. With this its 100x easier. I would recommend it.
Ahahha. Personally, I carry a little Ziploc container with lid, to soak my trays in while I eat. Those containers are so small, they fit in a purse easily. The lid also acts as a clean surface. I don't like public restrooms much. 😅
In your Invisalign case, carry a chewie and a travel toothbrush, elastics if needed. Put both in a toiletries/cosmetic bag and you're all set.
Forget the toothpaste, you can do a full brush/floss when you get back home.
I was told NOT to use toothpaste. They are often abrasive.
Any type of small watertight container will do.
What I mean by "salad dressing quirt bottle"
>ModeratorsMessage the mods
I would just search online or Amazon for small toiletry bag. There are so many options it is really just what you like.
I have a couple, but I have this: https://www.amazon.com/GOX-Toiletry-Packing-Digital-bag-Size/dp/B01HTCCVIK/ref=sr_1_42?dchild=1&keywords=small+toiletry+bag&qid=1623600957&sr=8-42
I use AminoLean. No sugar in it (but still not perfect for drinking with trays in). I would say my routine is similar. I eat right away after the gym and then soak my trays while I shower so my teeth get 15-20 minutes of a break between eating and brushing.
I bought this one on Amazon, use it daily. My trays are as clear at the end of the week as they are when I first put them in.
iSonic F3900 Ultrasonic Denture/Aligner/Retainer Cleaner for all dental and sleep apnea appliances, 110V 20W (tank no longer removable) , White , 0.4P https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLBW61C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_W9CRimoUhBUuO
Link to basically what I have, not sure why my dentist called it a chewy but he did say to use it like what you have. I like it, it seats the trays and is kind of soothing lol.
I use this thing every other night with a half tab of denture cleaner and use a denture brush every day. I was on the fence about getting it, but I've noticed the difference.
I’ve used the foam cleaner for invisalign, those work great in slowly brightening your smile.
I’m picky about the handle and bristles, but have been very happy with these GUM brand ones from Amazon. I bought the six pack and now have them everywhere. https://www.amazon.com/Gum-Toothbrush-Travel-Folding-Soft/dp/B08Z981S51
Congratulations on starting your treatment!
Say NO to any kind of chewing gum. It's bad for your teeth and bad for your aligners. 😊 (yes Mom)
Order an orthokey now. It'll help you remove your trays much smoothly. I know my fingers can't do it. 😥https://www.amazon.ca/Clear-Aligner-Removal-Tool-ORTHOKEY/dp/B07NQ5KZFT/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=orthokey&qid=1621194309&sr=8-3
Prepare soft food. Pasta is your friend. 😋
I use these that I found on Amazon once per day during dinner. And just soak my aligner in water with a bit of mouthwash for other meals or snack time https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08FYW1WX1/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_glt_i_6VR9ER0651RSZJ1QD8NS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I absolutely adore my ultrasonic cleaner used with cleaning tabs once a day. I've never once brushed my trays, I do two week changes and they're barely stained by the end of two weeks.
Be careful with those. Those are not safe for your teeth. They have methonol and other sugar ingredients.
I was told to use something like this for dry mouth
Oracoat XyliMelts Dry Mouth Relief Oral Adhering Discs, Stimulates Saliva, Non-Acidic, Day and Night Use, Slightly Sweet 100 Count (Pack of 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TYW877C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_C15ZHE83WB0D170H7H1V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got this. It’s amazing. Flushes out the particles before I brush. Although portable, I only use it at home. Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075JHRMPH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
3/16" inch Orthodontic Elastic Rubber Bands 300 Pack Natural Heavy Force 6.5 oz. for bows, Dreadlocks, Dreads, Doll Hair, Braids, Horse Mane Tail, tooth gap, top knots + FREE elastic placer by Cayenas https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AZZN70Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9J39CG7WH8EXCK5ZHVRV
Make sure you have the correct size and weight. These are 3/16mm heavy
I got these little finger covers to wipe by teeth and then I'll drink/swish with water if in in public. Once i'm home I'll fully brush and thoroughly clean the aligners. As long as it's not hours of time between eating and brushing, these little finger brushers things work decently (so far..only on week 2).
It's one kind of clear aligner removal tool that has a small hook ish end that will free your aligners from your teeth without taking the attachments with it, something like this, but you can literally search up "orthokey" on Amazon and different kinds will show up. This is the one that I have as well as others here on r/Invisalign: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Aligner-Removal-Tool-ORTHOKEY/dp/B07NQ5KZFT/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=orthokey&qid=1617047677&sr=8-5
I’m surprised too since so many are affected like this! I just brush and floss after every meal (Sonicare electric toothbrush, swapping between Sensodyne Extra Whitening or Crest charcoal toothpaste). Once in a while I use Crest whitestrips. My trays don’t get too bad either since I clean them in an ultrasonic cleaner with retainer tablets.
Not necessary, but this would make life easier. One of those denture cleaning trays, with a little brush, to soak your trays in, similar to this one:
I fill mine to the top of the colored inner container's holes with warm water, that's just enough to cover my teams. Then, I pop a Retainer Brite tablet in, and about halfway through, I shake the inner container up and down within the white container, to agitate the solution. The brush is pretty handy, too.
You can buy on Amazon for $5. They need replacement about every month. Here is an example: JES Orthodontics Green Chewies for Aligner Trays, Mint Scented (3 Chewies per Bag) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016DUQTZA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_9AbTFbY0T28YT
You probably have this problem because you are not using chewies, so I would buy right away.
Yeah, a lot of the last 6 months has simply been pushing my teeth out because they were all at an angle in before. Now that I have the room my treatment is focused on moving my teeth within the space to be straight/aligned.
In terms of chewies, they are basically little pieces of foam you use to set your trays. You chew on them and they help move the tray all the way onto your teeth. My ortho gave me mine, but you can get them on amazon.
This is the one I bought and it works great; There are many on Amazon like it.
Yeah sure! I’m in the UK so I purchase my Retainer Brite on Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005GRGARE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RxAQAbTHR0DR4) with a sonic cleaner (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003P9V8J0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CyAQAb5AW9BBB).
I let my trays soak every morning while I get ready for work. I do find that every few days I do need to brush my trays properly, there’s only so much that Retainer Brite can do.
Don’t get me wrong, the trays still yellow slightly by the end of the week, but honestly I hate brushing my trays so for me Retainer Brite is a godsend. Especially in the morning when I’m always running late!
My ortho gives me these.. I always ask for a ton at each appointment. Looks like they’re $18 on amazon. You just put them in your trays and wear it for a bit. My teeth and attachments are the same color and generally whiter and I’m on tray 22/33
LumiBrite 32% Take-Home Whitening Gel Refill 6 Syringes 2.5 mL EACH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KCZBNE0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_42z-Ab7Z4PVEN
Amazon! $6 and they worked like a charm.
Aligner Chewies for Invisalign Trays - White - 3 Chewies per Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0158VKQOA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ijPZBb42H667F
Edit to say I didn’t need more than 3. So this was the best deal for me.
Use chewies. If you dont have some go on amazon and get some. Theyll put your teeth into the trays the way theyre supposed to be.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0828X2PNW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I chew through them eventually but definitely no where as fast as the ones my ortho gave me, very durable. They can be a little slippery though, took me little bit to get used to.
1 Depends on your treatment, but typically it will hurt more with new trays but the pain should improve after a day or so.
Buy a pack of Orthokeys: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Braces-Aligner-Removal-Patented/dp/B001NFS4HW. Makes removal a lot easier.
Don't spit until you've finished brushing. Otherwise, yeah, you'll be cleaning the bathroom a lot.
I have 22 attachments and the first couple days my finger nails where hurting. I started to use a small washcloth to help me remove them until my remover came. The remover is great and I can get them off in less than a minute.
Yes this. I do a couple of cycles as I do the shower thing in the morning. Dinner time, I soak them in this retainer stuff and give them a quick rinse/run over with a toothbrush before putting them back in.
And I do coffee almost every day, etc, with them in so... it seems to be okay?
This is a pul tool:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086T5BV4M/ref=linkCode=as2&tag=h046e-20
I clean my aligners in the morning. I soak them while I’m having coffee. It works for me, but at night might work for you.
nope, never. after the cleaning cycle they come out looking brand new. I use tablets that I get on amazon, a half tablet each time. works perfectly
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WWYBJ7
another tip I can share is never let the trays dry out. I’m either wearing them, or they’re stored in water in a little watertight container
I recommend these ones, the sticks make it way more easier to use :) https://www.amazon.com/Invisalign-Popsicle-Silicone-Invisible-Munchies/dp/B09P31TSZS/ref=sr\_1\_7?keywords=chewies+for+invisalign+aligners&qid=1670133842&sprefix=chewies+%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-7
Thanks for a reply! ☺️ By sonic care do you mean this ? : https://www.amazon.fr/Philips-51-Protect-4300-Brosse-électrique-technologie/dp/B07DMLFNNR?ref_=Oct_DLandingS_M_cfb8ce6a_181
Because there are many versions with very different price point 😬
Guys! Thank you all for your answers! This helped me a lot! I was really in a panic mode before!
I Googled sonic care, do you mean something like that? https://www.amazon.fr/Philips-51-Protect-4300-Brosse-électrique-technologie/dp/B07DMLFNNR?ref_=Oct_DLandingS_M_cfb8ce6a_181
What is the difference with the normal electric toothbrush?
I’ve found this crest toothpaste to be pretty good for staining. Also the extra glue does wear off as time goes on. I got my teeth cleaned twice early on because my staining was so bad but it definitely wasn’t as bad after that.
Do you know if this is it? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BMJ149P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Just got it and it seems to be about the same size or even a bit bigger - slightly thicker and wider. Unfortunately the invislign branded one works better for my needs.
I stock sodas, lemonade, Ruby Red, Arizona, CO2 water, Snapples, pretty much everything that I could get. My fridge became overloaded, so I got this nifty fridge for the living room. Overkill, definitely not! LOL
You should get one of those little hooks to help you. https://www.amazon.com/Wecando-Elastic-Disposable-Orthodontic-Multi-color/dp/B07D77GZLW/ref=asc_df_B07D77GZLW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312039469107&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17116307340238918034&hvpone=&hvptwo=&a...
I've never heard of a saliva guard! When I had my attachments put on (on all but 4 teeth), my provider just did my mouth in sections, using a tightly rolled piece of cotton between my cheeks/gums to keep them from touching my teeth, then used air to gently dry the teeth where the attachments were to be put. It didn't feel great, but it didn't hurt either.
Instead of that, maybe try chewing on a Chewie for a good 15+ minutes after each meal, like while watching TV or something? That's what was recommended to me (and to absolutely not eat with trays in because it can damage the trays, depending on what you eat).
I am at week 49 and am getting another set of refinement trays next week. This is the travel toothbrush I put in my purse. I have a generic makeup case and I add my Invisalign travel case and a travel dental floss. I bought 2 generic travel case for my retainers (also from Amazon) that I keep at home.
I also bought an Ultrasonic cleaner and use that every morning to clean my retainers. Really helps because I have a lot of attachments. It took too long to clean all those indentations with a toothbrush.
I also had to use rubber bands. My tray changes were on Fridays. I found is less painful to start the new tray Thursday night with the old rubber bands and then change to new rubber bands Friday morning.
If you want to drink coffee or tea, just take your trays out and put them back in when you're done.
This is my carrying case. I learned the hard way to shake off the excess water from my trays before storing them and putting them in my pocket - it's not water-tight, so it can make it look like you wet yourself. Other than that I don't carry any dental hygiene equipment with me, I just make sure to brush and clean my trays when I get home.
When it's time for a new tray, my wife swears by changing them out at night so she can sleep through the initial discomfort. I'm a light sleeper so I change mine in the morning.
I like this one after trying exactly two... LOL. I removed the lid to make things easier.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007Q2M17K/
I want a cleaner that LOOKS like it is working when turned on! :-)
You're right - it sounds silly. It looks even sillier. I hate the slippery little chewies, so I went with this and I'm very happy with it. Easy to clean, Firm - ish, and soft enough to bite down on. I also appreciate that some areas are more narrow which gives you the opportunity to focus on a particular area. It comes with a hard plastic case, so it stays clean. Unlike chewies, these last, so I don't anticipate having to replace.
​
that's the link. Yes I've had this issue with every tray to some extent. Im on 21 out of 60 now.
I bought one 8 months into treatment, because I knew I wanted one once I got my retainers. I can't believe I went so long without it. I drop 1/4 to 1/2 a retainer brite tablet in during its 5 minute cycle and the tray always comes out like it's brand new out of the package.
I highly recommend getting one.
Mine was $50 usd, but I did see them as cheap as $40. I went with one that I could live with seeing on my bathroom counter all the time. Voraiya® Ultrasonic UV Cleaner... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YRSVYJQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Congrats! A lot of good tips have been covered here. A few things that have helped me over the last year:
-I would recommend buying and carrying a travel size toothbrush and toothpaste, it's nice to have when you need it.
-When I take them out to eat, I put them in a small 6oz jar w/ a lid, add at least 1 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp kosher salt, fill it halfway with warm water, and shake gently for 15 seconds. Let sit at least 15 minutes, shake again for 15 seconds, and then gently brush off any remaining residue. This prevents any weird tastes that can happen over time, and it allows me to drink non-staining drinks with them in, without needing to worry! The 50/50 water + peroxide works too, but it's slightly more costly.
-Definitely use your chewies. This is important to cut down treatment time. The Ortho-provided chewies are not the best, I chewed through them all the time. These were worth the investment, IMO.
-Don't be afraid to reach out to your Ortho if anything seems off. They can make mistakes too, and at the very least it will give you peace of mind. Good luck! :)
Let's start with getting you a PUL. Using your fingernail, while you will get better at it, is no-where near as safe as using a PUL.
https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Aligner-Removal-Invisalign-PULTOOL/dp/B07YCVBRQ1/
Orthos should include a PUL with the obligatory Invisalign case. I started using PUL on tray 70 something. I'm on tray 80 something, and regret not starting with tray #1.
https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Aligner-Removal-Invisalign-PULTOOL/dp/B07YCVBRQ1/
Ultrasonic Cleaner - i have used this one for 9+ months and love it!
i got this Ultrasonic Cleaner at Amazon for christmas and i love it!
I've waited a few weeks more than once; I'm on my fourth set of aligners :-). While waiting for that next set or your appt, you will be wearing that last set for a while, so now is a good time to learn how to be a bit more careful about taking care of them.
Think of it as training for when you get your retainer :-).
For me, I upped my game from simple brushing to a small ultrasonic cleaner and some denture cleaning tablets;
I use the Crest Enamel Repair mouthwash. Not sure if it helps but I have not seen any enamel loss https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01NAVD4DD/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_image\_o01\_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I really like this one because it’s a bigger size (I have a large bite that doesn’t fit into the smaller cleaners) https://www.amazon.com/iSonic-F3900-Ultrasonic-Retainers-Appliances/dp/B07H9B9HYL/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=BLFWAFQF6XOP&keywords=sonic%2Bcleaner%2Bdentures&qid=1660675357&sprefix=sonic%2Bcleaner%2Bdent%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-1-spons&...
I love this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HT4MXMK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
It does an amazing job on my aligners, but it also will fit my glasses, and does an awesome job. I also use it for my rings and toothbrush heads.
Not OP, but I use this one from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074J8VSC5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
OP is gaslighting us. This is the one I bought. I like it because it is the smallest footprint and designed for aligners vs ones that can handle jewelry. I found polident works well. I use a tab in the AM and in the PM but it’s maybe overkill.
iSonic F3900 Ultrasonic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLBW61C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I don't really have a chance to go through the whole cleaning routine when I'm at work, so I get it! I swish forcefully a few times with water, then floss, then swish again, rinse my trays with water, and use a whitening foam cleaner on each tray when I pop them back in. Done in less than 2 minutes.
Besides being quick, you won't need to bring a bunch of things to the bathroom and try to figure out how to keep everything off public surfaces (ew, yuck!). Just floss, your aligner case, and the little bottle of foam.
I like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L1L3HZT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Another hint is to be intentional about what you're going to eat. There are some things that will require more cleaning than others (chia seeds, I'm talking to you!), so just be aware of those.
Your senior photo's will be amazing!