Do you wish your smile were straighter? Fortunately, modern dental technology has made it possible for people to enjoy beautiful smiles without having to put up with metal brackets and wires in their mouths. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to gradually move teeth into their new positions, and no one will know you’re wearing them. However, if you aren’t careful with your aligners, your treatment won’t go as planned. Keep reading to learn more about the dos and don’ts of Invisalign.
What Should You Avoid During Your Invisalign Treatment?
You don’t want to accidentally throw off your treatment. It is best if you avoid doing the following:
- Incorrectly Cleaning Your Trays: If you clean your aligners in water that is too hot, you can accidentally distort their shape. Don’t use any harsh substances like bleach or hydrogen peroxide because they can also cause damage by degrading the plastic.
- Eating or Drinking While Wearing Your Aligners: The only thing that you should consume while wearing your aligners is water. If you are eating or drinking anything else, you need to take your aligners out beforehand so that you don’t accidentally damage or discolor them. Hot liquids can distort your aligners, and sugary drinks can get trapped in them and increase your chances of developing cavities. Your aligners aren’t made to withstand the pressure of chewing, so you could accidentally damage them.
- Leaving Your Aligners Out of Their Case: You should always store your aligners in their case when you aren’t wearing them. This way, you are less likely to lose or accidentally throw them away.
How Do You Properly Maintain Your Invisalign Trays?
Here are some tips that can help you keep your aligners in optimal shape:
- Clean Your Trays Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear hand soap to brush your aligners every single day to remove any plaque buildup and bacteria. If you aren’t cleaning them often, you are more likely to have bad breath, tooth decay, and staining.
- Soak Your Aligners: To keep your aligners extra fresh, you should soak them each day with Invisalign cleaning crystals or a non-abrasive denture cleaner. After you soak them for about 15 to 30 minutes, use a toothbrush to remove any residue.
- Brush and Floss: After every snack or meal, you should brush and floss your teeth. At the very least, you should rinse your mouth out with water. If you do not, leftover food can become trapped against the teeth by the trays and cause staining and tooth decay.
By using the tips listed above, your Invisalign treatment is likely to go as planned. You’ll have a straighter smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Ernie Costello earned his dental doctorate from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry and has completed additional focused training in modern endodontic therapy. He is also an Invisalign Preferred Provider. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at his office in Arlington Heights, visit his website or call (847) 259-1111.