Invisalign continues to gain popularity as more people discover its many benefits. Instead of using metal brackets to straighten your smile, this method relies on clear, plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth. They exert enough pressure to gently shift them to their ideal placements throughout your treatment.
To keep things on track, however, you must care for your aligners properly so that they can continue to do their job. Continue reading to learn 4 helpful do’s and don’ts of maintaining your Invisalign!
DO Keep Your Regular Dental Hygiene Routine
Your clear aligners press against your teeth and gums all day which gives unhealthy bacteria ample opportunity to flourish. This can leave you at an increased risk of developing oral issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
Fortunately, you can prevent this by brushing and flossing twice daily. This removes germs and plaque buildup before you put your Invisalign into your mouth so you’re less likely to have problems. That way when you’re finally done with your last set of trays you’ll have a happy, healthy smile to show for it.
DO Soak Aligners Daily
Toxic germs can cling to the surface of your aligners which can leave them discolored and somewhat smelly. You’ll need to cleanse them daily to remove unwanted particles to keep them in good condition. To do so, you should soak them at least once a day with a special solution created for that purpose, like Invisalign cleaning crystals. Once you’ve let them sit for about 15 minutes, rinse them off and gently brush them with a soft-bristled brush and water to remove any residue.
DON’T Eat with Your Aligners In
When you’ve grown accustomed to Invisalign, it’s easy to forget it’s there and you could accidentally eat or drink with them still in your mouth. Unfortunately, this can harm your trays in more ways than one. Firstly, you might damage them by biting into something too hard or crunchy. On top of that, if you’re enjoying any hot liquids like soup you could warp the plastic, so it no longer fits. Finally, dark-colored food and drinks like tea, coffee, wine, blueberries, and blackberries can stain your “invisible” trays.
It’s best to remove your aligners for meals and put them back when you’re done. Be sure to take your carrier case with you so that you have a safe place to store them that won’t get lost.
DON’T Let Them Dry Out
You should be wearing your Invisalign for 22 hours every day, which means you’ll have them in your mouth both day and night. You might feel tempted to leave them out while you sleep, but your trays are likely to crack or become misshapen if they dry out. If your trays are damaged or no longer fit, you could set your timeline back by several weeks. The best way to prevent this is to wear your aligners for the designated time so you don’t have to worry that your teeth will revert to their previous positions.
Now you know how to care for your Invisalign, you’ll be able to make the most of your alternative orthodontic treatment!
About the Practice
At Riviera Family Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from a team of dentists who offer a full range of services at one convenient location. Whether you need a routine checkup or want to enhance your appearance, they can help. They use state-of-the-art technology in a comfortable environment to provide patient-focused, forward-thinking care that you can count on. Plus, they offer evening and weekend appointments so that you can find a time that fits into your busy schedule. If you’re interested in Invisalign and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling (214) 764-0112.