A Guide to Your Invisalign Treatment with Dr. Maddie Phillips

Welcome to Your Smile Journey! 

Hi everyone, I’m Dr. Maddie Phillips at Orthodontics, and I’m thrilled to guide you through your Invisalign treatment. Let’s explore how to get the most out of this transformative process.

Consistency is Key

To achieve optimal results, wearing your aligners for **23 hours a day** is essential. That means full-time wear—only removing them when eating or brushing your teeth. This partnership between us depends on your dedication to wearing your aligners as much as possible.

Understanding Attachments

Attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps placed strategically on your teeth. These bumps help the aligners exert precise forces, guiding your teeth into their ideal positions. While they might feel unusual at first, they are vital for success. Don’t worry—they’re discreet and play a crucial role in perfecting your smile.

Tracking Your Progress

Each tray should be worn for about one week. After seven days, inspect your fit:

1. Ideal Fit: Teeth seated completely into the aligners (Picture 1 or 2). Move to the next tray.

2. Partial Fit: Small gaps between teeth and aligners (Picture 3). Wear the tray for another week until fully seated.

3. Poor Fit: Large gaps or misalignment (Picture 4). This may require wearing the tray for two additional weeks or contacting our office for assistance.

Aligner Care Tips

- Cleaning: Use a soft toothbrush and mouthwash to clean your aligners daily. Avoid gritty toothpaste, which can scratch the plastic. Invisalign cleaning crystals are another great option.

- Storage: Always save your previous trays. Store them in their original bags within the box we provide. Occasionally, you may need to revert to an earlier tray to improve tracking.

Inserting and Removing Aligners

Removing your aligners may be tricky at first, especially with attachments. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start from the inside back of your mouth.

2. Use your thumb and pointer finger to lift the aligner up on one side, then the other.

3. Gently peel the aligner off from back to front.

4. Avoid removing aligners from the front to prevent splitting them.

The more you practice, the easier it becomes.

Final Thoughts

At Orthodontics, we’re committed to making your Invisalign experience seamless and successful. If you ever have concerns about tracking or fit, don’t hesitate to call us. Your smile journey is our priority.

Thanks for trusting us, and let’s create that beautiful smile together!  

— Dr. Maddy Phillips at PT Orthodontics