Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without having to worry about the conspicuous metal parts and irksome dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. However, this treatment still requires patients to comply with a set of rules to avoid delays and achieve their best possible results. Here’s a brief overview of a few habits to build and a few habits to break to keep your Invisalign treatment going smoothly so you can enjoy a beautifully straightened smile.
What Should I Do When Wearing Invisalign?
There are several things you can do to prevent oral infections and keep your teeth shifting as intended while wearing Invisalign. These include:
- Keep your aligners clean: Always clean your aligners before putting them in. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to gently clean inside and outside each aligner to remove plaque and food debris that can cause stains and oral infections.
- Soak your aligners daily: Soak your Invisalign clear aligners in denture cleaner or with Invisalign cleaning crystals every day. Remember to clean them with a toothbrush before putting them back in your mouth.
- Brush and floss after eating: Before putting your aligners back in, brush and floss thoroughly to eliminate plaque and food debris that could damage your teeth.
What Should I Not Do When Wearing Invisalign?
Some habits can damage your teeth or aligners while wearing Invisalign, making costly restorative treatments and replacement aligners necessary. Keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t use harsh cleaners: Strong cleaning agents like bleach can degrade the plastic of your clear aligners, and hot water can cause them to warp. Remember to use lukewarm water and mild soap or an approved cleaning agent.
- Don’t drink or chew while wearing your aligners: Invisalign clear aligners are not designed to withstand the pressures of chewing, and drinking can lead to dyes or sugary residues being trapped between them and the aligners. Never eat or drink anything but water while wearing Invisalign.
- Don’t leave your aligners out: Leaving your aligners on a napkin next to your eating place when you take them out for meals is a great way for them to get damaged or lost. Remember to always store your clear aligners in a clean container when you are not wearing them.
Invisalign is a fantastic way to achieve a straighter, healthier, and more beautiful smile. By complying with your orthodontist’s instructions, you can achieve amazing results.
About the Practice
21st Century Dental of Irving offers the best oral care available in Irving, TX. Led by Drs. Jeff Roy, Ashley Bristow, and Allison Veytsman, the staff ensures that each patient receives the utmost courtesy, effective treatments, and stellar customer service. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To learn more about how to stay on top of your Invisalign treatment, contact the practice online or dial (972) 255-3712.