If you want your Invisalign treatment to be successful, you need to follow this list of do's and don'ts.
At the beginning of your clear aligner treatment, your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on what to do to stay on-track. Despite your best intentions, you may forget their recommendations over the next couple of weeks and months, resulting in you picking up some not-so-great habits. The good news is that you can read on for three simple do’s and don’ts with Invisalign to refresh yourself!
Rinsing your trays throughout the day will help keep them clean and clear – just make sure to check the temperature of the water first! If it’s too hot, then the plastic can warp. Once they lose their shape, they won’t be able to effectively move your teeth into their properly aligned positions. So, always stick to cool or lukewarm water instead.
From the lack of dietary restrictions to the ease of brushing and flossing, having removable braces comes with several noteworthy perks. It also comes with some responsibility. After all, you have to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day in order for them to work! If you aren’t sure if you’re meeting this goal, try using the Invisalign app or the timer on your phone to help.
One of the biggest misconceptions that patients have is that they can drink coffee with your aligners in. In reality, you should remove them before eating or drinking anything other than water. If you don’t, then your trays will quickly turn from clear to yellow.
Although the check-in visits are quick, they are incredibly important. Not only will your dentist scan your teeth to ensure they are moving properly, but they will also provide you with your next batch of aligners. Plus, if your teeth aren’t moving as anticipated, they can make the necessary adjustments early on.
It’s true: Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions. It’s important to note, however, that the development of tooth decay, gum disease, or any other dental problems will bring your treatment plan to a temporary stop. So, keep foods and drinks with added sugar to a minimum, especially during your clear aligner treatment.
Whether you’re eating breakfast at home, having lunch with your coworkers, or grabbing dinner with a friend, you need to store your trays in their designated storage case. If you leave them out on the table or wrap them in a napkin, it’s significantly more likely that they will end up getting thrown away or completely misplaced.
All you need to remove food particles, plaque, and other debris from your trays are clean, lukewarm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If they are starting to turn yellow, don’t use harsh chemicals, like bleach. Instead, use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit.
Have you ever wondered if you would see results faster if you moved onto each new set of trays early? You won’t! Remember, each aligner serves a very important purpose when it comes to safely moving your teeth into their properly aligned positions. So, follow the instructions your dentist gives you to a tee.
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