When you begin your Invisalign journey, you might be excited about starting your path toward your straighter smile. You’ll have to wear clear trays to keep your treatment on track, but building a solid routine can be tough at first. To help make this transition just a bit easier, here are a couple of do’s and don’ts you should know during your time with clear aligners.
Do Wear Your Aligners for 22 Hours Every Day
Invisalign has become a popular choice among teens and adults because they are removable. They can fit into your lifestyle a bit more easily than braces since you don’t need to change your diet at all. That said, it’s crucial you put your trays back in after you finish eating. Leaving them out for too long can lead to delays, so you will have to be diligent about getting 20 to 22 hours of wear time every day.
Don’t Eat or Drink with Your Invisalign In
One cardinal rule of aligners is that you shouldn’t eat or drink with them in. Even if what you are having doesn’t seem like too much trouble, it’s best to take them out before indulging. That’s because Invisalign is made from a thin plastic. You risk damaging or getting beverages trapped between them. This can put you at a higher risk of decay and stains. The only thing you can have while wearing your trays is water, so keeping a reusable bottle handy can be helpful.
Do Brush and Floss Your Teeth Consistently
After you enjoy your meals, you should make sure you do your oral hygiene routine. Food debris and plaque may still be on your teeth, so it’s important that you remove them right away. That’s because they may linger for longer with your aligners in. You may develop cavities, gum disease, and the like. By giving your smile a good scrubbing, you can prevent bacteria from transferring and causing problems.
Don’t Use Hot Water to Clean Your Trays
Your aligners will also need to be cleaned off after you eat or at least once a day. When you do this, be sure you don’t use hot water. The plastic may warp, which can make your trays less effective and possibly dangerous to have in! Simply keep the temperature lukewarm or cold and use a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, gentle soap.
Remember these do’s and don’ts while you adjust to life with Invisalign. That way, you build a routine that works for you, and you avoid any trouble with your new aligners.
About the Author
Dr. Caleb Goodman earned his dental degree from Midwestern University. He has since taken advanced training in Invisalign, allowing him to offer this type of orthodontics to the Goodyear community. Dr. Goodman will stay at your side throughout your time with your trays, helping you avoid delays. If you need more tips about adjusting to life with your aligners, schedule an appointment or call his office at 623-925-8822.