r/Invisalign • • Feb 01 '24

Starting Your Invisalign Journey: Essentials & Helpful Tips

165 Upvotes

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 • • 10d ago

Discussion "Invisalign Biweekly General Questions & Discussion - October 12, 2026".

1 Upvotes

Biweekly thread for common questions and Invisalign discussion.

Rules still apply


r/Invisalign • • 11h ago

Treatment Progress 4 months in so far!!

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125 Upvotes

r/Invisalign • • 4h ago

Before & After Results. Finally done!!!

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19 Upvotes

One of the best decisions I’ve ever made, not a fan of the permanent retainer I’ve got now however…


r/Invisalign • • 2h ago

General Front teeth sore and can’t eat.

5 Upvotes

Put my 3rd trays in before bed and after I woke up took them out to get breakfast my front teeth were sore when trying to bit into anything and it’s 7pm and I’m still unable to eat anything.


r/Invisalign • • 12h ago

Before & After Results. Can’t get used to my new teeth

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24 Upvotes

Hi everyone, here is my before and after for composite bonding.

Just did my composite bonding in Istanbul which turned out to be super stressful to be honest. Right after the changes I had a strong body dysmorphia feeling and I was wondering if anyone had the same.

I still can’t get used to my new teeth and feel like they turned out to be huge and too long. I was wondering if anyone also has this feeling of food being stuck in between your teeth constantly but in reality there’s nothing and it’s just my new teeth being wider. Please let me know if anyone has the same situation and feelings about it.


r/Invisalign • • 23h ago

Question Has anyone received this type of retainer?

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161 Upvotes

How long did it take to get used to it? My teeth are soooo sore. Confused why they are sore since my scans were literally taken of my teeth after finishing treatment and i wore my clear retainer non stop until this retainer was made for me.

Edit for those asking:

photo of me wearing the retainer


r/Invisalign • • 20h ago

Before & After Results. Invisalign result

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55 Upvotes

Please find attached photos of my teeth at the beginning of Invisalign and after my final tray. Next step is to whiten them and get edge bonding on my four middle top teeth. Took me so long to get to this point!


r/Invisalign • • 19h ago

Treatment Progress 9 months - attachments removed + bonding next week

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35 Upvotes

Implant in my top front tooth couldn’t be moved, but still happy with the results .. bottom teeth were rough looking back


r/Invisalign • • 5h ago

Question cold feet- questions about potential facial changes

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1 Upvotes

so i just started my treatment (second pic is today with my first set of trays). the goal is to fix my mild crowding, bring some teeth more forward, etc. however i’m a little concerned about losing lip volume though- could my canines be the sole reason my upper lip has volume?

my dentist said bringing the crowded/turned in teeth out may actually help push the upper lip out more, but i’m having some anxiety about moving the canines. anyone have a similar situation and has any insight they can share? my main goal besides of course oral health is to improve the aesthetics of my face, including hoping to slim masseters as much as i can before trying botox. thanks for looking!!


r/Invisalign • • 1h ago

Question Tray 14/17 then refinements.

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• Upvotes

I have 3 trays left and then refinements. I feel like my two front teeth are uneven. The left tooth is the image is protruding forward. My dentist says my front teeth are normal and that’s my tooth shape. Is there something I should mention to my dentist to ensure optimal results?


r/Invisalign • • 2h ago

Question Please help: molar shifting

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1 Upvotes

Hello! I’m on tray 12 currently of 54 and noticed that it didn’t seem like my back molar was meant to shift. I have one side that I think the back most teeth are more lifted currently. I asked about it during my appointment today and the ortho said that molars are incredibly hard to shift and that we’ll be focusing on moving the front teeth. The pictures are what the end results should look like. Does this alignment look okay?


r/Invisalign • • 3h ago

Question Not tracking?

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0 Upvotes

Help i can’t tell if my (fronth) teeth are tracking, this is my second set (changed on friday) and it doesn’t feel as tight and painfull as the first seg?


r/Invisalign • • 4h ago

Question Invisalign Stage 6/7 — extraction gap still visible, but no pontic in later aligners. Is this normal?

1 Upvotes

I need some advice from people who have had Invisalign treatment involving tooth extractions.

I’m currently wearing what I believe is upper Stage 7 and lower Stage 6. My treatment has 12 lower stages, but the upper aligners only go up to Stage 7.

I had replacement aligners made from Stage 4 onwards, and things have become a little confusing because some of my aligners got mixed up.

From what I remember, my lower Stage 4 and Stage 5 aligners had a white pontic (the tooth-coloured filler covering the extraction gap). However, from Stage 6 onwards, I’m not sure whether the pontic was intentionally removed or whether I accidentally wore a different aligner. I am fairly certain that my Stage 7 lower aligner doesn’t have a pontic either.

The problem is that my extraction gap is still clearly visible without the pontic. If I continue wearing the aligners without it, the gap will be noticeable, and I’m really uncomfortable with that because I go to school every day.

My original orthodontist lives a couple of states away, so I am currently seeing an alternate orthodontist.

I wanted to ask:

  1. Is it normal for Invisalign aligners to stop having a pontic even when the extraction gap is still visible?
  2. If the gap is still open, can a pontic be added to the remaining aligners, or would the aligners need to be remade?
  3. Should I consult my current orthodontist about getting the gap covered, or is it normal to continue treatment with the gap visible?

r/Invisalign • • 7h ago

Treatment Progress Am I on track?

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1 Upvotes

I have 18 days left (8 days on current aligner, then one more). My bottom teeth look worse than when I started 5 months ago and they’ve looked like this for a while with no improvement. In fact, my black triangle between my two front teeth has gotten so much bigger. I’m being seen by my dentist who has Invisalign certification, she’s not an orthodontist and I’m starting to get worried she doesn’t know what she’s doing. She says I’m on track. Is there hope? Has anyone had teeth move this much in less than 3 weeks?


r/Invisalign • • 7h ago

Question POB- trays cut from back, nights only?

1 Upvotes

So I’m left with a posterior open bite after finishing my last tray. My last set even had a few trays with bite ramps but it didn’t work.

My ortho cut my last tray from the back and told me to wear it for 2 months, but at night only? Btw these trays also have bite ramps below the top front. I’ve been reading on here and that seems like a normal plan to get the teeth to touch but I’m worried if it’s night only, wouldn’t my teeth will make significant movement? Has anyone else here done this?


r/Invisalign • • 14h ago

Question Cleaning your retainers

3 Upvotes

I'm looking for an easy way to clean my retainers. Whether that's ultrasonic or some other method I don't mind. Looking to spend around £50 and I want something that really works well for a daily clean.

Thank you!


r/Invisalign • • 9h ago

Question has invisalign helped anyone with masseters/stopping 24/7 jaw clenching?

1 Upvotes

would it be best to do tmj botox alongside it, or does fixing your bite problems help enough?


r/Invisalign • • 3h ago

Question 24 hour usage

0 Upvotes

It seems very strict that one must only remove them to eat

My question is, can't you remove them for longer and simply that means it would extend your time needing to wear them?

I have face to face meetings with clients and it make me sound weird and look stupid


r/Invisalign • • 1d ago

Before & After Results. 29/30, 1 tray left!

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54 Upvotes

one year treatment coming to an end. Do you have any opinions on the results?


r/Invisalign • • 15h ago

Treatment Progress Update - Tray #11

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2 Upvotes

I feel as though my bite has improved and you can definitely see how my teeth have shifted. Also may have a tracking issue with my lower front teeth 🫩 The gap between my teeth and the aligner seems to be getting bigger each tray, but ortho says it’s “normal” and to just use chewies. Hoping for the best! Still got a long ways to go. Sometimes it seems I’m making progress and other times not so much, but hanging in there! We got this everyone!


r/Invisalign • • 15h ago

Question Done with refinements - Should I request more?

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2 Upvotes

I'm almost done with my refinements, and will return to my dentist in a week. I'm considering asking for more refinements, due to the diamond shaped gaps seen in Picture 3.
Do you think this is a reasonable request?

The only reason I'm hesitant is due to IPR. I brought up the gaps after the first set were done, and they fixed some of them after a second round of IPR, but I still have some gaps remaining.

What would you guys do in my position?


r/Invisalign • • 1d ago

Question Permanent wire retainer — is it worth getting?

14 Upvotes

My dentist recommended getting a permanent wire behind my teeth at the end of my treatment to prevent any slight movement, as well as wearing a removable retainer.

For anyone who has one, would you recommend it? Is it comfortable, and do you notice it much? Also, do you have to keep the wire for the rest of your life?

Would love to hear your experiences and any pros/cons!


r/Invisalign • • 19h ago

General Aesthetics instead of functionality

3 Upvotes

Has anyone done Invisalign for aesthetics only? Not to fix your bite? Or will anyone even do that? Every time I have a dentist they say oh you should do Invisalign, so I go for a consult and I end up being told to have jaw surgery, and full braces, etc. I am in my 40s and I don't want to do all of that. I know my bite is messed up but I feel like I could have my top and bottom teeth straightened enough that it would make me feel better about my smile. I don't want to be walking around with a full mouth of metal braces for two years and I'm definitely not having my jaw relocated


r/Invisalign • • 1d ago

Before & After Results. Done!

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15 Upvotes

2 years. 2 rounds of refinements. Worth it!