If you are pursuing straight teeth with Invisalign, adhere to a few dos and don’ts compiled from years of orthodontic experience.
Achieve a bright, aligned smile with ease by adhering to these simple rules throughout your Invisalign journey.
For expert guidance and personalized care, consult the orthodontists at Perkins Orthodontics for your Invisalign in Fort Worth Texas.
Dos:
1. Wear Invisalign at least 22 hours a day
Invisalign gradually aligns teeth, but success relies on wearing aligners for 20-22 hours daily, removing only for eating, drinking, or brushing teeth.
2. Keep your aligners clean
Daily, clean Invisalign aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water to prevent plaque buildup. Optionally, use Invisalign cleaning crystals for effective maintenance.
3. Clean your teeth prior to putting on aligners
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing before wearing Invisalign aligners to prevent food particle buildup, plaque, and bacteria accumulation, ensuring overall dental health during treatment.
4. Limit consumption of snacks and coffee
To maintain effectiveness, remove Invisalign aligners while snacking or drinking coffee. Frequent removal diminishes treatment impact on teeth alignment. Adjust snacking habits accordingly.
5. Store in Invisalign case only
To prevent damage and loss, store Invisalign aligners in their dedicated case whenever removed, ensuring hygiene and protection from accidental damage or misplacement.
6. Plan your travel as per your tray change schedule
During Invisalign treatment, change aligner trays as scheduled every few weeks. While traveling, ensure to have the new tray changed on time or have it delivered.
7. Be confident and keep smiling
Invisalign’s invisibility allows you to confidently engage in social activities without self-consciousness, as misaligned teeth are treated discreetly. Embrace this phase and enjoy the journey.
8. Once in a day, soak your aligners
Soak Invisalign aligners daily with denture cleaners or Invisalign cleaning crystals, then brush with a separate toothbrush to remove food particles and plaque, ensuring cleanliness and oral health.
Don’ts:
1. Remove Invisalign for a longer time
Promptly wear Invisalign after eating and brushing your teeth to maintain treatment effectiveness. Set alarms as reminders to prevent prolonged removal, ensuring consistent wear for optimal results.
2. Expose Invisalign to air and heat
Avoid leaving aligners exposed to air to prevent germ accumulation. Store them in their case. Refrain from drinking hot beverages or rinsing aligners with hot water to avoid warping and misfitting.
3. Eat and drink while wearing aligners
Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. Aligners are not meant for chewing pressure and can stain from food and drinks.
4. Don’t smoke
Avoid smoking while wearing Invisalign to prevent aligner discoloration and maintain treatment effectiveness. With limited removal time, quitting smoking during treatment is advisable.
5. Binge on sugary and sticky foods
While no food restrictions exist with Invisalign, limit sugary and sticky foods to prevent tooth damage and cavities. Avoid sugary chewing gums to maintain aligner wear consistency.
6. Use harsh and strong products for cleaning Invisalign
To prevent scratches, avoid using a harsh toothbrush or strong cleansers on Invisalign. Go for Invisalign cleaning crystals for gentle and effective cleaning, preserving their invisibility.
7. Skip/delay appointment with orthodontist
Regularly scheduled orthodontist appointments are crucial for monitoring Invisalign progress and ensuring timely adjustments. Book appointments in advance for efficient treatment.