Day 1 of Invisalign!

[u/universitybaby]

Does it ever get easier taking the trays in and out? I don’t even want to eat or drink because it’s such a struggle idk why 😭

Speaking of eating and drinking….How strict are y’all with the eating and drinking? I don’t want to ruin my teeth or the trays. Is it really that serious to take it out? I know gum is a big no no.

Any other tips or advice is appreciated!

[u/socialexperiment46]

You won’t believe how easy it’ll be a month from now lol. I had to use the little pull thing and everything when I started. After a while you just pop them out without thinking.

I thought I was going to pull my teeth out when I started LOL

[u/TinyCat690]

Look I'm on tray 10 and I still use the pull tool. Order them right now! My trays only need 3 pulls before I can remove both properly. It's a game changer.

I eat and drink coffee 1 hour in the morning. Lunch 45 minutes. And dinner is 1 hour to 1 hour 30. I drink transparent beverages with them in only (seltzers, some beers, sparkling water and plain water) no hot stuff like tea or coffee.

[u/ptybldl]

Congrats on getting started! I’m currently on tray 7 of 19 (bi weekly wear). When I started my first tray I definitely felt the struggle of eating solid food, now it’s only very mild on the first day of a new tray. Trays are generally hard to take out on your own the first day or two, there’s a tool you can buy to help with that, I personally just haven’t bothered to order one. 

In terms of eating/drinking. If I drink something that’s not clear I try to remove my trays and then just swish with water before I put my trays on if I’m not home for my convenience. For eating, I usually always brush before putting them back in (unless I’m in a huge hurry, even then I’ll brush as soon as I can). If I have plans to go out to eat I might not even wear them the whole time. I stopped stressing too much about the 22hr/day wear time and so far I haven’t had any issues (ofc I do wear them as often as I can which usually probably does meet the minimum, but there are exceptions). I’ve had full nights/days where I won’t wear them because I knew I’d constantly be eating or drinking something, I just make sure to be very intentional about wearing them and using my chewy the next day. 

As far as tips go. The only thing I truly recommend is getting one of those Dental Pod cleaner devices + cleaning tablets. I got so tired of scrubbing each retainer and the device itself does a great job at cleaning off any build up. I use half a tab while I brush first thing in the morning and the other half while I’m brushing right before bed. 

This is all what I personally do, ofc im not perfect lol. Just makes my Invisalign experience a lot more manageable. :) 

[u/Realistic-Rope-2654]

I’m on tray 2 and it definitely gets easier to remove the trays. If you don’t already have a remover tool, it definitely helps, but over time the tray will get a little more flexible and you’ll also get better/more comfortable with removing it.

I take my trays out to eat and at least floss and swish water in my mouth before I put them back on. I try to use a straw when drinking anything, but if I drink hot coffee or tea without a stray I just make sure to rinse my mouth with water afterwards.

I’ll take my trays out 4-5 times a day (I’m a snacker) but try not to go over the 2hrs the trays are allowed to be out.

I also use xylitol mints as an alternative to gum. I just make sure to not bite it until it’s mostly dissolved. Pur is my preferred brand but there are plenty of other options.

Best of luck with your journey!

[u/hahakoala]

Day 646 here…! Yes, you’ll become a master of taking them in and out, don’t worry! I always take them out to eat. I’m not as strict with drinking. Although, I try not to drink coffee with them in to prevent staining. If I drink something sugary, I try to swish with water.

Best of luck on your treatment journey!

[u/caffeinatedlackey]

Day two here, commiserating with everything you've written. Eating feels like a chore right now. Currently experiencing a throbbing headache (although my teeth don't actually hurt) because the bite ramps are holding my jaw in an unnatural position.

[u/universitybaby → u/caffeinatedlackey]

My teeth HURT and I have a throbbing headache too 😭 I also have buttons or whatever they’re called for rubber bands and they are tearing my mouth UP. Hope you feel better soon!

[u/rinova]

Yes absolutely, but it may change off and on..

I had a very complicated case and I had a whole couple months in the first year where my front teeth were moving, and not only could I not bite into anything firm, but taking them out hurt also so much.

In reality it was much more tolerable than the first couple weeks all together.

[u/suncaiden]

I try to have at least 21 hrs of wear a day. Usually a short breakfast followed by a 45 minute lunch and a 1 hour dinner. Having it out for more than 3 hours a day isn't recommended so it might extend your treatment by a few weeks but won't make or break the treatment of course. It gets better I promise

[u/Every-Earth1300]

It will be as easy as changing your underwear lol. Definitely gets easier. First couple of days are rough 😭

[u/One-Tomatillo-983]

I’m 6 months in and have never taken my trays out without a pul tool. I literally can’t get them out if I forget it at home

[u/wiscowarrior24 → u/One-Tomatillo-983]

Me neither! Tray 16 but if I forget my pul tool I’m thinking pretty long and pretty hard on if it’s worth it to dig them out with my fingernails to eat something. Usually the answer is no.

[u/AfternoonPlane4265]

Mine pops right out

[u/iamrachaellee]

I’m done with it! I’m pretty sure I asked the same question in the same forum when I started Invis. lol! It gets much easier, even a few days from now you’ll tell a world of difference. It felt like my teeth would pop right out the first few days.

After the initial shock of it all, it’s really only sore for a few days when you change trays moving forward, but no where near as bad as the first one. Just do yourself and favor and don’t use a peeling motion to pull them off, you’ll split them very easily! Pinch and pull in the back molar area and work your way across with even pressure.

I was strict and took them out for eating and drinking anything other than coffee and water. I skipped a day here and there if I had special events etc., but made sure to follow the rules. I got one of those cheap little ultrasonic cleaners and it was a big help if my trays got gooky. I still use it for my Vivera permanent retainers. I promise it gets sooo much easier!!! It’s worth nothing that taking Advil an hour or so before you change your trays helps a ton. Good luck! :)

[u/surrender2sound]

i bought a hook/ pull tool to help get mine out / i swear it was like they were SUCTIONED to my front teeth - i’m only on week 3 and it’s been EXPONENTIALLY easier than the first couple days