Invisalign treatment is one of the most effective ways to straighten smiles. Designed to offer discreetness to individuals who are self-conscious about their appearance, these clear aligners serve to move teeth in the right direction without bringing attention to treatment. If you are currently or preparing to undergo Invisalign treatment, you’ll want to make sure that you keep the following dos and don’ts in mind so that you walk away with a healthy, beautiful smile.
What Should You Do While Wearing Invisalign?
When starting treatment, you’ll be provided some helpful instructions from your dentist about ways to take proper care of your teeth, gums, and clear aligners. To ensure that you don’t suffer a delay in treatment, make sure that you follow these tips:
- Clean your aligners every day – This prevents bacteria from building up over time, which can be easily transferred to your teeth. This can cause dental decay to form as well as cavities.
- Brush and floss – Before reinserting your trays, make sure that you brush and floss your teeth each time. This will ensure that your smile is healthy, minimizing the risk of bad oral bacteria from sitting on your teeth and spreading to your trays.
- Do not drink anything other than water while wearing your trays – It is highly encouraged that you do not wear your aligners while eating or drinking, but if you want to drink water, you can keep your trays inside your mouth. However, even if you remove them to enjoy a glass of soda or coffee, you’ll want to brush your teeth to avoid particles staining your teeth and trays.
- Keep a protective case nearby – Anytime you take out your trays, use your protective case to avoid damage.
What Shouldn’t You Do While Wearing Invisalign?
Of course, just like there are things you should do, there are also things you should avoid at all costs. Invisalign is an investment in your time and money, so don’t waste it by not taking your treatment seriously. Keeping these “don’ts” in mind will help keep you on the right track.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco – The nicotine found in cigarettes, cigars, and even e-cigarettes can damage your trays and cause them to develop stains. As a result, others will be able to notice your aligners, and you may suffer a setback in treatment.
- Don’t leave trays within reach of children or pets – It’s too easy for little hands or large mouths to get a hold of your Invisalign trays. This is why your dentist will likely recommend a protective case (or two).
- Don’t eat with your aligners in your mouth – Invisalign trays are not meant to withstand the pressures of biting and chewing, so you’ll need to remove them before enjoying a meal.
- Don’t use hot water – When cleaning your trays, do not use hot water, as it can warp the plastic and ruin your aligners.
Wearing Invisalign doesn’t have to be hard. By following these few simple instructions, you can stay on the right track toward a straighter smile.
About Grand Dental – Sycamore
At Grand Dental – Sycamore, our patients deserve to feel good about their appearance. This is why we offer Invisalign as a safe and effective way to straighten teeth. Visit our website to find out what you need to know about taking proper care of your Invisalign trays and what you should do to avoid accidental damage along the way.