Like many, perhaps you’ve started Invisalign. That’s a smart move – aligners can straighten your teeth in just a year or so! Still, your treatment will only work if you follow its rules. The dos and don’ts of Invisalign are crucial to your trays’ success. As such, choosing to skip them will delay your aligned grin. Luckily, your Lancaster dentist can explain these rules in detail. To that end, here’s what you should and shouldn’t do during your Invisalign journey.
What are the Invisalign Dos?
Regarding Invisalign, you can’t be passive. There are certain things you must do to keep it on track. In particular, you should:
Clean Your Aligners Daily
Even if you’re eager to use them, always clean your aligners before wearing them. So, soak them in a proper solution at least once a day. You can then use a toothbrush to remove debris sticking to them. Just ensure the brush used isn’t the same as your regular one. Lastly, rinse the clear trays with warm water and wear them.
Brush & Floss Before Using Aligners
After a meal or snack, food and plaque may get trapped in your teeth. Therefore, brush and floss before re-inserting your aligners. Doing so keeps the trays from trapping harmful elements on your smile. (If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, rinse your mouth and clean the aligners with water.)
Meet the Daily Aligner Wear Time
Unlike metal braces, aligners aren’t bonded to your teeth. You must actively remember to wear them for 20-22 hours daily. If you don’t, your grin won’t align at the proper rate. Luckily, you can always set phone alarms to remind yourself of the daily aligner wear time.
What are the Invisalign Don’ts?
Just as Invisalign requires some actions, it also forbids others. That being said, keep the following tips in mind:
Don’t Eat or Drink While Wearing Trays
In reality, you shouldn’t have meals while wearing your trays. Aligners get damaged when you try eating or drinking with them. For that reason, you should remove them before you have any food or drinks. (Water is an exception; it won’t stain or discolor your aligners.)
Don’t Leave Aligners in the Open
Once you’ve removed your aligners, don’t leave them in the open. If you do, you’ll expose them to bacterial buildup. Instead, put the trays in your case when they’re not used. Anything less could lead to aligner damage.
Don’t Skip Check-In Visits
Even if you’ve gotten your entire series of aligners, you shouldn’t skip check-in visits. These appointments confirm that your treatment is going smoothly. Plus, the dentist can change your trays if they notice anything wrong. That way, you’ll avoid delays in your results.
Ultimately, the dos and don’ts of Invisalign are crucial. Stick to them well during your quest for straighter teeth!
About the Practice
Dentistry for Life is based in Lancaster, PA. Led by Drs. Herres and Votilla, our practice wants your smile to thrive for years to come! As such, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental care. Our office is also a certified provider of Invisalign® clear aligners that straighten teeth. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (717)-569-3911.