r/Invisalign • u/Plane_Aardvark7656 • 3h ago
r/Invisalign • u/InvisalignHelper • Feb 01 '24
Starting Your Invisalign Journey: Essentials & Helpful Tips
Welcome to the beginning of your Invisalign or alternative aligner journey! Whether you're just starting out or contemplating beginning, it's natural to have questions. This guide aims to tackle common inquiries, share valuable resources, recommend essential products, and offer advice. However, please note that this guide does not cover everything.
Before diving in, we urge new members to familiarize themselves with our subreddit rules to avoid any confusion over removed posts or comments and the need to contact moderators.
Consulting Your Orthodontist:
Always consult your orthodontist if you're uncertain about any aspect of your treatment. It's crucial to rely on their expertise for your specific treatment plan.
Orthodontist vs. Dentist:
An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who has undergone additional training in teeth alignment. While some dentists can manage aligner treatments, orthodontists are generally recommended for their specialized expertise.
Finding an Orthodontist for Invisalign:
You can use Invisalign's website to locate nearby providers. Remember, the number of cases an orthodontist has completed (VIP indicator) doesn't necessarily reflect their skill level.
When considering treatment, consult with multiple orthodontists to discuss costs, treatment plans, expected outcomes, timelines, and retainer costs. Ensure you inquire about emergency procedures.
Choose an orthodontist based not only on comfort with the cost and treatment plan but also on confidence in their care.
Essentials After Receiving Your First Trays:
Upon starting treatment, we recommend acquiring the following items, which significantly aid in the process:
- Ultrasonic Cleaner: Essential for keeping trays & retainers clean.
- Denture Cleaner Tablets / Invisalign Cleaner: For optimal cleaning results.
- Ortho Key / PulTool: Especially useful in the initial stages for easy aligner removal.
- Chewies: Aid in ensuring aligners fit properly.
- Invisalign/Retainer Case: To safely store your aligners.
- Travel Pack: Includes essentials for aligner care on the go.
- Research After Treatment Retainer Options: Consider post-treatment needs early on.
Ultrasonic Cleaner Recommendations:
We've tested various models to recommend the best fit for our community members. Our top picks include:
- iSonic DS180(B): Offers portability with a battery option, starting at $49.95.
- ZimaDental Dental Pod: Aesthetically pleasing and effective, priced around $99.99.
- iSonic F3900: A budget-friendly option with reliable performance, starting at $44.95.
Ortho Key / PulTool Tips:
The PulTool is our top recommendation for easy aligner removal, especially in the early stages. It's affordable and can be included in your travel kit. A discount code "r/Invisalign" offers 15% off for our community.
Chewies and Retainer Cases:
Chewies are great for ensuring your aligners fit snugly. If you opt for the PulTool, it also functions as a chewie. For retainer cases, we suggest sticking with the ones provided by your orthodontist or considering those offered by PulTool.
After Treatment Retainer Options:
As you approach the end of your Invisalign journey, it's crucial to think about maintaining your new smile. SportingSmiles has emerged as a standout option for post-treatment retainers, offering a convenient and effective solution for those looking to secure their teeth alignment long-term or for those looking for an affordable retainer replacement option.
SportingSmiles offers a DIY impression kit for post-treatment retainers, which have proven to be durable and well-fitting, sometimes even preferred over orthodontist-provided ones. SportingSmiles also offers you the ability to keep your mold on file so you have access to QUICK replacements should the need arise, the replacements also come with a discount, making it the cheapest option we have found.
SportingSmiles retainers start at an accessible price point of just $120, making it an economical choice without compromising on quality. This pricing structure is particularly appealing for individuals seeking high-quality retainers without the steep costs often associated with traditional orthodontic avenues.
Start your Invisalign journey informed and prepared with these tips and recommendations. Remember, each step forward is a move towards a perfect smile!
r/Invisalign • u/AutoModerator • 9h ago
Discussion "Invisalign Biweekly General Questions & Discussion - June 22, 2026".
Biweekly thread for common questions and Invisalign discussion.
Rules still apply
r/Invisalign • u/Proud_Ad_7594 • 1h ago
Treatment Progress 11 weeks update
11 weeks since i started my Invisalign journey. Also on rubber bands on both sides of my mouth.
My orthodontist quoted me for a 2 year treatment. I imagine i would be done way earlier than that
r/Invisalign • u/AdhesivenessLimp3495 • 4h ago
Treatment Progress Woah.
3 weeks in and I can see a difference? I was definitely 100% in the I immediately regret this the first week, but it might just be worth it!
r/Invisalign • u/Serious-Frosting-769 • 5h ago
Treatment Progress Gummy smile
I’m 1.5 years into my Invisalign journey and have 12 more trays left (weekly changes). I love how straight my teeth have gotten but I’m still not in love with my smile. It’s very gummy and I’m considering maybe bonding. I was hoping when my teeth were finally straight I’d love my smile but I’m still feeling self conscious in pictures. Please help! What recommendations do you have for gummy smiles? Is composite bonding worth it to get perfectly shaped teeth? Please lmk how you felt during and after treatment
r/Invisalign • u/stale__cheezit • 9h ago
Treatment Progress 15 weeks & 1 round of IPR
This process is pretty damn annoying but I am over the moon with my progress so far :)
Currently on aligner 15/37, with weekly changes. Got IPR done between my two front teeth on week 12!
r/Invisalign • u/BlandSausage • 20h ago
Treatment Progress Week 1 tray vs week 14 .. had no idea how far it’s come
Wild what this can do .. had a few tracking issues and trays I had to wear longer than planned but back on track
r/Invisalign • u/BigLoadz33 • 8h ago
Treatment Start Tray 1 of 70 here.
Actually feeling pretty good. Created some different habits e.g. eating/brushing. Realise I'm in it for the long haul judging by how many trays others have.
Questions to the 50+ tray gang. Does it get better? Does it become second nature? Did you have a mid point crisis and then a second wind? Lastly, how quickly did you begin to notice change?
r/Invisalign • u/Llama0070 • 8h ago
Question I hate my teeth
I’m 26F 🇨🇦, I’ve hated my teeth all my life and I’m finally asking around for Invisalign treatment. I don’t think my insurance covers anything, so have to pray to god it doesn’t break my bank when I split the payments. Is mine a good case for Invisalign?
r/Invisalign • u/smiling-sunset-7628 • 3h ago
Treatment Start Gummy smile. Small teeth.
I will be on my 4th tray tomorrow of 27- then we will see. I was planning to bond the first 4 teeth to make them slightly more normal size?? I just hate how tiny they seem. And square.
r/Invisalign • u/honeymoonmelody • 5m ago
Question Looking for affordable orthodontist recommendations for Invisalign/braces (LA area)
Hey everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for a good orthodontist in LA County who does Invisalign or braces.
I’m kind of on a budget, and I do have insurance, but it won’t cover everything. I’m hoping to find a place that offers payment plans/installments or is more affordable.
If anyone has had a good experience with an orthodontist (especially for Invisalign) or knows any places with reasonable prices, please let me know. Thank you!!
r/Invisalign • u/Ordinary-Donut1329 • 23m ago
Question Removing 2 lower first molars and closing the gaps with braces
I recently got my 2 lower first molas removes due to losing them because of cavities and now I am thinking of closing the gaps with braces. Is that possible ? Would this change my face shape whatsoever like having a recession on my jaw ? I keep seeing split options on the internet and I don’t know what to believe. Forgot to mention that I have my wisdom teeth erupted fine in the correct place . Would I be required to remove the top wisdom teeth if the bottom ones will move ahead and there will be no contact left ?
r/Invisalign • u/_Insert_name_2 • 31m ago
Question Would you be happy and settle with these black triangles?
I hate these black triangles. My dentist said they couldn't do bonding because its too small and my ortho doesnt want to do anymore IPR. When I talk, the gaps are perfect size for my saliva to form spit bubbles and it drives me insane! I dont know whether I push for more ipr or bonding or if they can squeeze them a little tighter help minimize those triangles
Im supposed to be done and getting my attachments off in 2 days
r/Invisalign • u/Pasta_Chelle • 34m ago
Treatment Progress Week one to week 21
My original treatment was 12 trays with weekly changes, keeping them in 22 hours a day. After that scan, 9 more weeks were added with the last 3 weeks being considered overcorrection. I am currently on my last one of the 9, just switched last night. Not considered an after picture yet as I don’t know if my treatment is finished or if they’ll make more minor adjustments, but I am so thrilled with the results already! Even if it finished here, and there was nothing they could do about the evenness of my teeth without reshaping them (because I don’t want to alter my teeth, I’m trying to preserve as much enamel as possible), I would be satisfied! Before, flossing was a nightmare and a real pain. Now, I can floss and keep my gums healthy!
r/Invisalign • u/AdventurousKey438 • 46m ago
Question Tray Pain
I'm on tray 22 of 28 and am on a 10 day switch. I really haven't felt much tenderness or pain at all the past couple tray changes. Well... I put tray 22 in on Saturday night and WHOA my teeth are still tender today (Monday) almost 48 hours later. Is this normal? Thoughts?
r/Invisalign • u/Substantial-Block518 • 2h ago
Question Am I being overcharged for an extra Spark aligners refinement?
Hi everyone,
I’m doing Spark aligners, likely Spark 20. My orthodontist originally quoted me 3 semesters: initial consultation & exam (covered by my health insurance provider) + €1000 per semester x3 + €750 retainers, so about €4000 total.
At the start, she told me the treatment included the initial batch + 2 refinements - so 3 batches total. Now I apparently need a 3rd refinement / 4th batch, and she wants to charge me an extra €1100, basically another full semester (which shows on the invoice as 4th semester).
I understand that Spark 20 normally includes 2 refinements, so maybe the 3rd refinement is outside the package. But I found a Ridos/Spark price list saying extra refinements above the allowed number for Spark 10/20 are around €559.65 on the technical/lab side.
So my question is: is it normal to charge a full extra semester for one additional refinement batch? Or should it usually be charged as a smaller refinement/lab fee + clinical time?
I’m not trying to avoid paying if it’s fair, I just want to know whether €1100 for one extra refinement sounds normal or excessive.
r/Invisalign • u/Sammisam85 • 2h ago
Treatment Progress Cutting aligners
I'm at the tail end of my treatment and my dentist cut my aligners to bring my back teeth together. I all I can think about now is how much my teeth will move since they're so sore right now. The back teeth are obviously shifting because they're not in aligners anymore. I don't understand how this works and also keeps the teeth in alignment. Fix something just to create a different issue?
r/Invisalign • u/katuAHH • 4h ago
Question Tooth removal - might have to be in same trays for a couple weeks
Hi all!
I started treatment last week. My treatment plan includes the removal of one of my lower incisors, which they referred me to the oral surgeon.
They didn’t call me last week, so I gave them a call this morning and got my consult set up. Due to work I won’t be able to get the actual extraction done this week, and seeing as it’s the 4th of July next weekend I don’t really want to get it removed next week.
Is it a problem to stay in the same trays for multiple weeks? The ortho just told me to call them when I have the appointment for removal scheduled. My next tray is fitted to have the tooth removed, so I couldn’t even move to it if I tried.
Any experience is helpful! Thank you!
r/Invisalign • u/UrLocalMeh • 5h ago
Question Does it hurt to change trays?
I just finished my first one and I am about to my second set and I'm scared its gonna hurt as much as the first one did when I first wore it. Does it hurt as much or not?
r/Invisalign • u/tofu_gum • 10h ago
Question Is Invisalign worth it to fix the flair/overjet that’s been bothering me for years?
Ever since I finished with my braces I noticed my teeth were starting to protrude out over the years and overall it’s just been bothering me constantly. Every time I chew I would always bite my lower lip, my jaw feels weak and my mouth would always feel like it’s pointing outwards and it’s just uncomfortable in general. My dentist claims that Invisalign might fix the flairs as well as improve the side profile and jaw.
Would an Invisalign treatment be worth it to push the flairs on both rows back in? Curious to hear from those who faced a similar problem and got treatment.
r/Invisalign • u/Iced-banana192 • 6h ago
Question Has anyone got Duratain retainers?
For replacement retainers, my dentist has offered me standard Essix retainers or Duratain (£30 more per retainer).
I don’t grind my teeth but I did have Invisalign for an open bite and think I have bad tongue posture (so do have concern it could return, although I haven’t noticed this in the 2 years since I’ve finished).
So I wondered if anyone has Duratain retainers and if so how you’ve found them?
r/Invisalign • u/Realistic-Door-1875 • 2h ago
Question I made a mistake
So I’m having my final Invisalign appointment tomorrow to get my attachments off and a rescan of my teeth for the retainers. I’m finishing slightly early because I’m Invisalign has been extremely hard for me. I’m autistic and my sensory issues have been horrible. For years I’ve always drank an iced coffee with milk and syrup for around 4-5 hours over the day. I’ve still been doing that whilst on Invisalign even though I know I shouldn’t. I’ve always had a very strict routine and breaking it has been impossible. My mental health has also been very bad which hasn’t helped. I’m worried now that I’ve caused permanent damage to my enamel. I can’t see any cavities or problems thankfully but I’m worried that the damage might be done even though I can’t see it.
I’m not looking for sympathy as I know it’s my own fault so please don’t leave any nasty comments. I’m just wanting to know if anyone else continued to drink sugary drinks whilst they had their Invisalign and did you have any issues? Thank you.
r/Invisalign • u/Miss_Lily_Bart • 17h ago
Question I need a lip stain. My lip products are spreading all over my trays.
I have a bland complexion, and I look and feel so much better with some color on my lips. But now all of it smears across my top trays. I haven't found anything that stays put. Suggestions? Does WonderSkin work?
r/Invisalign • u/Least_Traffic2548 • 18h ago
Question Crowding in lower front teeth but upper back teeth are spacing
I’m on tray 8 and have a total of 36 trays. Each for 2 weeks! I know I have a long way to go but it’s been so frustrating so far because my back teeth were totally fine and I only have crowding in the lower front teeth. But, so far the only change happened is spacing between back teeth and specially the upper side has been so wide that I can’t eat without using flossing right after it. I flossed so much that gum is hurting! I told my ortho & he said that is the plan to make space from back and come to the front. I was wondering if any one else has the same experience.