Invisalign is an incredibly popular orthodontic option to correct the position of teeth. Whether you have an overbite, an underbite, crooked teeth or other dental alignment issues, Invisalign offers a quick and convenient way to straighten your smile. With the amount of time and money you will invest, the last thing you will want to do is cause a setback in your treatment with simple mistakes. Keep reading to learn the dos and don’ts of a successful Invisalign treatment.
Cleaning
Do: Keep Your Aligners Clean
Keeping your aligners clean will prevent your teeth from developing dental issues like cavities or dental infections that could slow your progress. Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your aligners, and clean the inside and outside of each tray using a denture brush and clear hand soap. Aligners with bacteria buildup or food particles can become cloudy or develop foul odors. Soaking your aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a dentist-approved denture cleaner helps remove debris and buildup that brushing can’t. Once they are done soaking, rinse them and brush them to remove any stubborn bacteria or plaque.
Don’t: Clean Them with Harmful Ingredients
Hot water can warp your aligners and create problems for your treatment. Using bleach to deep clean your trays can cause the plastic to deteriorate. Cleaning them with abrasive toothpaste or scented soaps can scratch your aligners or cause them to become cloudy, defeating one of the primary advantages of this treatment.
Eating
Do: Take Your Aligners Out Before Eating or Drinking
Eating while wearing your aligners in could cause them to break or crack. Whether it’s just a snack or you’ve sat down to eat a full meal, always remove your aligner trays first. This keeps food particles from getting stuck in your aligners and prevents them from getting damaged.
Don’t: Drink Beverages with Tannins or Hot Temperatures
If you’re drinking anything other than water, make sure that you are removing your Invisalign trays. Drinking wine or tea can stain your trays and your teeth, and hot drinks can cause them to warp just like hot water would.
Storing
Do: Always Keep Your Invisalign Case with You
The best way to keep your aligners protected from bacteria and damage is to make a habit of placing them into their storage case every time you take them out of your mouth. This is the best way to avoid breaking, warping or losing them. It also protects them from any germs that may come from the table or passers-by.
Don’t: Leave Them Out in the Open
It may be easy to simply place your aligners on a napkin with the expectation that you will remember where they are, but this can make it very easy for them to get lost or thrown away. It also allows them to collect bacteria that can cause foul odors or make you sick.
Keeping this list of Invisalign Dos and Don’ts is a great way to help your mouth stay healthy and your aligners clean. It will also help prevent setbacks in your treatment.
About the Author
The high-quality dental care offered at D’Andrea and Pantera, DMD, PC is unmatched in Hamden. Their team of dentists is dedicated to improving the oral health of every patient who enters the practice while meeting all of their dental care needs. Their services include preventive dentistry, cosmetic dental treatments, Invisalign and more. If you have questions about your Invisalign treatment, visit the website or contact the office at (203) 288-0951 to schedule your appointment today.
