An Invisalign treatment is one of the easiest, most convenient, and most comfortable ways to correct crooked teeth. These revolutionary clear aligners are designed to blend in effortlessly with your busy, active lifestyle while discreetly shifting your teeth into their ideal position. However, the success of your treatment relies heavily on how well you care for your aligners. A few bad habits could end up costing you more time and money in the long run! Here are a few important Invisalign do’s and don’ts that will keep you on track for a straighter smile.
1.) Don’t Remove Your Aligners More Than You Have To
The removable nature of Invisalign aligners are one of its most popular benefits. However, it’s also one of its greatest responsibilities. It’s up to you to remember to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours every day consistently. If you don’t wear them often enough, your teeth may begin to gradually shift out of place again and reverse your progress. Do your best to only remove your aligners when you have to!
2.) Refrain from Eating or Drinking with Your Aligners In
While it’s important to keep your aligners in as much as possible, it’s just as important that you take them out before eating or drinking. Extra pressure from chewing and the acids from your foods and beverages can bend, discolor, weaken, or even break your aligners. Whether it’s the last sip of coffee or a quick snack out the door, you should always remove your aligners for anything other than plain water.
3.) Keep Your Aligners Safe by Cleaning Them Properly
Cleaning your aligners is essential for keeping your mouth healthy throughout your treatment. However, using the wrong products or techniques can cause them serious damage! Hot water, strong chemicals, abrasive toothpastes, and stiff-bristled toothbrushes can scratch, weaken, and warp your aligners. Instead, rinse them off with plain water and brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, or use a specialized product from your dentist.
Tips for Keeping Your Invisalign Treatment on Track
Aside from avoiding the bad habits above, there are several practical ways you can help your treatment go as smoothly as possible, including:
- Always rinsing your aligners off before putting them back in your mouth.
- Only storing your aligners in their case, never a napkin or your pocket.
- Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily.
- Visiting your dentist for your checkups as often as they recommend.
Invisalign offers a clear path towards a straighter smile! Make sure your treatment stays on track from start to finish by keeping these easy do’s and don’ts in mind.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Asay of Chisholm Trail Dental Health is proud to offer modern and effective dentistry in Round Rock, TX. As an Invisalign Preferred Provider, he has completed numerous hours of advanced training and helped countless patients achieve straighter teeth with Invisalign. He always takes the time to get to know his patients, and he’ll be more than happy to provide personalized tips to make the most out of your Invisalign treatment. To learn more, he can be contacted via his website or at (512) 244-2796.