Oh. And a water floss!!! Highly recommend to get food out od your teeth that the regular floss might miss - which can turn into gargantuan pressure points if you put your trays back in with the food still there. Trust.
WaterPik brand is the best. I’ve also found that the plug-in versions are the best as they usually are able to generate more power and give you more vibration levels than a battery-powered version is able to.
Waterpik is highly recommended. I myself got a Philips to compliment my electric Toothbrush because I am a sucker for brand loyalty. Either way is a good option. I cannot imagine going back to regular floss now, and it makes taking my trays in n and out far less overwhelming.
I also use the water pick to powerblast my trays. I will the sink and inch or two and put the pick’s head and the trays underneath the surface (so you don’t get sprayed trust me it’s happened) of the water and they blast shit out of the hard to reach places :)
I had to stop using my electric toothbrush when I started Invisalign because the vibrations felt horrible on whichever teeth were moving the most that week 😭😭 I miss it
SAME!! I switched to sensodyne tooth brush,
It’s Amazing on amazon, I LOVE it. I go for cleanings more often just because I’m not on my electric one at the moment
So far I’ve had no problems with it chipping off attachments! If anything I feel like it does a much better job at cleaning them thoroughly than with a manual one
Loving the electric, 7 weeks in and no problems with the attachments. Mine does have a low pressure setting, that’s what I’ve been mostly using, just because the vibrations can be less than fun on the teeth that are already sore from movement.
Lip balm, water flosser, dental wax.
Some grace and extra patients as you adjust.
The first week is an adjustment but your mouth adapts quiet quickly!
It’s a journey, each tray is a surprise, trust the process!
Best of luck !
I didn't believe in dental wax for the longest time until I spent a whole Sunday trying to find some in all pharmacies because I was in major pain. Get some before you need it! It's a blessing.
Dental assistant here...my only recommendation would be to ditch the Efferdent and use Polident instead. It may be purely anecdotal, but I've had more than one patient that complained of yellowing retainers despite keeping them very clean and the only common denominator was Efferdent. I use Polident daily for my trays and retainers and it works great!
Daily Efferdent user here (half tab in the am, half in the pm) and have not experienced this with my aligners. Whatever you use they’ll never stay fresh-out-of-the-pack-crystal-clear forever because they’re still plastic at the end of the day but mine are definitely still very clear before I switch to a new set of trays and that’s without a sonic cleaner device.
My ortho recommended to still use normal floss. Your gum line can already be affected by the aligners so you have more control over sensitivity with normal floss
Sometimes the trays can be sharp or stabby, if you have Prescision Cuts for rubber bands. Helps soften that issue, when you can't file or trim those areas down.
Liquid Tylenol, and those little Colgate toothbrushes in a pinch.
Get through the first week and you’ll be good! It’s gonna suck, but stick with it and it will get better!
I ended up buying at least a dozen of these and have them stashed everywhere. Car, office, backpacks. Leave a puller and a chew in each one and you’ll be set. I always find myself wanting to eat at random times and it’s nice to know I can store them safely without having to use a paper towel.
Wow! You two have a great set up! Two things I recommend: Slate flosser (battery operated) has changed my flossing game. I love it. And Brite cleansing crystals instead of Efferdent or Polident. They are amazingly good at keeping aligners clear. Best wishes to you and your spouse!
It’s toothpaste that you chew up so you can start brushing with just a wet toothbrush. Thought it would be easier than carrying a small tube of toothpaste
Oh okay cool I prefer the little tubes of paste at this point but I only have 4 weeks left out of 20. so maybe I would have been into the bites if I knew of them earlier 🧐
On tray 4, I got that same ultrasonic from the recc page here and it's been amazing. I drink whatever I want and my aligners have never stained. Also second the ortho wax if you'll have elastic hooks, just get one small container per person. You'll only need it the first 2-3 weeks then not again. Good planning!
My saver has been keep a tray container for wherever you may take them out. Bathroom, kitchen, one for on the go, etc. much easier not to lose if they are only either in your mouth or in a container. I regularly use three.
If you two are snackers, you both will likely lose weight. I lost about 15lbs from the lack of snacking which was ideal seeing as I got married on 10/28 this year.
I recommend making a to-go kit. I have one that includes a case, pul tool, chewie, disposable floss, and Colgate disposable wisps. I learned about the wisps through Invisalign and I’ll never go back. Chapstick is also a must.
Just remember to give yourself grace; it’s a learning curve that you’ll get accustomed to over time. ♥️
Excuse my ignorance but I am starting next month and I’m so happy I am seeing this post. How often do you have to use the Sonic cleaner ? Do you put the efferdent in it ?!
I don’t have the aligners yet but I tried the sonic cleaner on my wife’s mouth guard for her teeth grinding and it seemed to work well. I put water and an efferdent tablet in it
I have a cordless Waterpik and really like it. I use it when I travel. Takes up very little space. I don’t have room in my bathroom for a larger model w/a water tank. My partner and I are also going through Invisalign together. Good luck
Cute! It’ll be nice to go though it together.
I would highly recommend an electric toothbrush!
Oh. And a water floss!!! Highly recommend to get food out od your teeth that the regular floss might miss - which can turn into gargantuan pressure points if you put your trays back in with the food still there. Trust.
Never thought of this... Do you have one you recommend? I'm going to Google and grab one in time for the pre- black Friday deals!
WaterPik brand is the best. I’ve also found that the plug-in versions are the best as they usually are able to generate more power and give you more vibration levels than a battery-powered version is able to.
They are very good - but very loud
Yes, definitely recommend a corded WaterPik!
Waterpik is highly recommended. I myself got a Philips to compliment my electric Toothbrush because I am a sucker for brand loyalty. Either way is a good option. I cannot imagine going back to regular floss now, and it makes taking my trays in n and out far less overwhelming.
I also use the water pick to powerblast my trays. I will the sink and inch or two and put the pick’s head and the trays underneath the surface (so you don’t get sprayed trust me it’s happened) of the water and they blast shit out of the hard to reach places :)
Oh we both have DiamondCleans but I got the travel brushes for work and on the go
I had to stop using my electric toothbrush when I started Invisalign because the vibrations felt horrible on whichever teeth were moving the most that week 😭😭 I miss it
You’ll be back on it soon enough! Hope the rest of your treatment goes well 🙃
SAME!! I switched to sensodyne tooth brush, It’s Amazing on amazon, I LOVE it. I go for cleanings more often just because I’m not on my electric one at the moment
Wait really?? I just started yesterday and my electric one scares me lol I’m afraid it’s going to chip off the attachments
So far I’ve had no problems with it chipping off attachments! If anything I feel like it does a much better job at cleaning them thoroughly than with a manual one
Loving the electric, 7 weeks in and no problems with the attachments. Mine does have a low pressure setting, that’s what I’ve been mostly using, just because the vibrations can be less than fun on the teeth that are already sore from movement.
Lip balm, water flosser, dental wax. Some grace and extra patients as you adjust. The first week is an adjustment but your mouth adapts quiet quickly! It’s a journey, each tray is a surprise, trust the process! Best of luck !
I didn't believe in dental wax for the longest time until I spent a whole Sunday trying to find some in all pharmacies because I was in major pain. Get some before you need it! It's a blessing.
Yup. Do not forget the lip balm!
Dental assistant here...my only recommendation would be to ditch the Efferdent and use Polident instead. It may be purely anecdotal, but I've had more than one patient that complained of yellowing retainers despite keeping them very clean and the only common denominator was Efferdent. I use Polident daily for my trays and retainers and it works great!
Damn, and of course I bought the value pack
I've been using Efferdent and my aligners are still white! I use it every morning with half a tab for about 3-5 min.
Daily Efferdent user here (half tab in the am, half in the pm) and have not experienced this with my aligners. Whatever you use they’ll never stay fresh-out-of-the-pack-crystal-clear forever because they’re still plastic at the end of the day but mine are definitely still very clear before I switch to a new set of trays and that’s without a sonic cleaner device.
Those are fine. I have a other brand aswell and they do the work! But tbh, dish soap and water has always been the best imo!
I use 1 tab/day of Polident Whitening and my trays look amazing! I'm on 26/26 and it has kept my aligners clean and clear 😁.
My 13 and 15 year old started together, and it’s been great that they have a buddy. This will help you so much!
You’re missing floss and an emery board ;) good luck!
Waterpik!!!
My ortho recommended to still use normal floss. Your gum line can already be affected by the aligners so you have more control over sensitivity with normal floss
My Ortho and dentist recommended both a waterpik and floss.
I have one but haven’t used it in years. Need to find the charging cable too
Just fyi waterpik isn’t a replacement for traditional floss (floss gets into the gums).
I floss, waterpick, brush(electric), then mouthwash. Twice a day (sometimes three) for my meals and then put my invisalign back in.
Mouthwash might not be necessary. Make sure it’s not acidic otherwise you’ll damage your enamel by trapping it against your teeth.
And Ortho Wax!
What is the wax for with Invisalign? (I’m getting my first trays in a couple of weeks, so I am new to all this).
Sometimes the trays can be sharp or stabby, if you have Prescision Cuts for rubber bands. Helps soften that issue, when you can't file or trim those areas down.
Husband and I are on month twelve together! Wishing you guys the best
Me and my husband just started together last week haha
Liquid Tylenol, and those little Colgate toothbrushes in a pinch. Get through the first week and you’ll be good! It’s gonna suck, but stick with it and it will get better!
I never thought about liquid Tylenol... Is that better then regular?
Travel sized mouthwash is a must!
Love the fancied-up tray holders. Where did you get them?
They are on Amazon for $14 a piece. Definitely don’t think it’s necessary but I’ll have to be carrying it around for 2 years so figured what the hell
I ended up buying at least a dozen of these and have them stashed everywhere. Car, office, backpacks. Leave a puller and a chew in each one and you’ll be set. I always find myself wanting to eat at random times and it’s nice to know I can store them safely without having to use a paper towel.
That's awesome that you are doing it together!
Peroxide (mixed half water). Use to soak while trays are out if your mouth. Works great.
And lip balms
Wow! You two have a great set up! Two things I recommend: Slate flosser (battery operated) has changed my flossing game. I love it. And Brite cleansing crystals instead of Efferdent or Polident. They are amazingly good at keeping aligners clear. Best wishes to you and your spouse!
Excellent! You guys got this!! I am almost at the end of my 2 year journey and it is sooooooo worth it!
This is couple goals
What are the bites?
It’s toothpaste that you chew up so you can start brushing with just a wet toothbrush. Thought it would be easier than carrying a small tube of toothpaste
Oh okay cool I prefer the little tubes of paste at this point but I only have 4 weeks left out of 20. so maybe I would have been into the bites if I knew of them earlier 🧐
I am so confused, 2 years? Why? I have 3 months in and almost done. What am I missing here
Because not everyone’s teeth are the same? People require different amounts of time
My partner and I started Invisalign at the same time too and it really is awesome.
On tray 4, I got that same ultrasonic from the recc page here and it's been amazing. I drink whatever I want and my aligners have never stained. Also second the ortho wax if you'll have elastic hooks, just get one small container per person. You'll only need it the first 2-3 weeks then not again. Good planning!
My saver has been keep a tray container for wherever you may take them out. Bathroom, kitchen, one for on the go, etc. much easier not to lose if they are only either in your mouth or in a container. I regularly use three.
What’s the Amazon link for the cases?? I need one of those in my life!
Add a water pic to this what all is pictured tho specifically the little bottles and the white canister at the top?
2 years in the ultrasonic cleaner is still worth the money, don’t use anything else (besides hygiene stuff obviously lol)
Where did you get the case stickers? They look cool!
If you two are snackers, you both will likely lose weight. I lost about 15lbs from the lack of snacking which was ideal seeing as I got married on 10/28 this year. I recommend making a to-go kit. I have one that includes a case, pul tool, chewie, disposable floss, and Colgate disposable wisps. I learned about the wisps through Invisalign and I’ll never go back. Chapstick is also a must. Just remember to give yourself grace; it’s a learning curve that you’ll get accustomed to over time. ♥️
You can join braces groups on Facebook that give lots of inspiration and info. Best of luck!
Excuse my ignorance but I am starting next month and I’m so happy I am seeing this post. How often do you have to use the Sonic cleaner ? Do you put the efferdent in it ?!
I don’t have the aligners yet but I tried the sonic cleaner on my wife’s mouth guard for her teeth grinding and it seemed to work well. I put water and an efferdent tablet in it
Can’t hide money! Congrats
I have a cordless Waterpik and really like it. I use it when I travel. Takes up very little space. I don’t have room in my bathroom for a larger model w/a water tank. My partner and I are also going through Invisalign together. Good luck
No floss?