A treatment that is getting more and more popular is Invisalign. It’s a great way to get a healthier bite without it affecting your lifestyle as much as traditional braces. However, there are different guidelines you should follow with your clear aligners instead. To help you stay on track with your smile-straightening journey, here are some do’s and don’ts you should know about your trays.
Do Your Best in Getting the Full Wear-Time
Invisalign works by applying a constant, but gentle, pressure on your teeth. You’ll have it in for 20 to 22 hours every day, only taking them out to eat and drink. However, as you start building a routine with your trays, it might be easy to forget to put them back in. The longer you don’t wear them, you risk experiencing delays. A great way around this is to set alarms to help you remember.
Don’t Have Anything Other Than Water While They Are In
You might wonder if you can just eat or drink with your aligners in to ensure you stay on track. This isn’t a good idea because food can damage them, or liquids can get trapped between them and your teeth.
If a set of your Invisalign breaks, then you’ll need to get it replaced. It can take time to order in and arrive, leading to delays. When certain beverages get stuck underneath them, you risk developing stains or cavities. Instead, only drink water while wearing them.
Do Follow Good Oral Hygiene Habits
It’s also important to keep your mouth clean with Invisalign. You might feel a bit lazy after eating and pop your trays in, but this can increase your chances of decay. Be sure to clean your smile and aligners after mealtime to get rid of any harmful bacteria on them. That way, you avoid any dental problems that can spell trouble.
Don’t Use Hot Water When Cleaning Your Trays
Invisalign is made from a thin plastic, so it’s important that you don’t expose it to anything too hot. Cleaning them under hot water can cause them to warp. This will change how they fit and likely make them ineffective and unsafe. Stick to lukewarm or cold water when you are giving them their needed scrubbing.
While you are learning the ins and outs of clear aligners, be sure to remember these do’s and don’ts. Following them can help you avoid any delays and have a smooth experience toward a healthier bite you love.
About the Author
Dr. Tony Nguyen earned his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine. He completes over 150 hours of continuing education every year, using some of those to focus on orthodontics. By offering Invisalign. Dr. Nguyen is happy to help the community get the straighter smiles they love. He’ll stick with you throughout your treatment, so you do your best to stay on track. If you want to learn how to better care for your aligners, schedule an appointment or call his office at (972) 723-1148.