The Do’s and Don’ts of Invisalign

Many people choose to straighten their teeth with Invisalign because it doesn’t involve any of the dietary restrictions or the pointy and conspicuous metal parts that come with traditional braces. While Invisalign can be an easier and more visually pleasing way to realign your smile, you’ll still need to stick to certain rules to achieve your desired result. Here’s a brief list of do’s and don’ts for wearing Invisalign to help you make the most of your treatment in the least amount of time.

What Should I Do When Wearing Invisalign?

There are a few rules you must follow to keep your Invisalign treatment on track. These include:

Clean your aligners daily

Food trapped between your aligners and your teeth will be protected from your mouth’s natural cleaning process, allowing harmful bacteria to rapidly multiply and cause dental stains or tooth decay. To prevent this from happening, clean your aligners inside and out before wearing them using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Keep your teeth clean

Since food stuck to your teeth can still be trapped beneath your aligners, you must always brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners in, including after all meals and snacks. You should also take care to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing. It’s a great idea to pack an oral hygiene travel kit for work or school.

Wear your aligners for at least twenty hours every day

Invisalign clear aligners must be worn for at least twenty hours a day to push the teeth into better alignment and prevent them from shifting out of their new positions. It’s important to remain aware of your schedule so you know you can wear your aligners sufficiently every day.

What Should I Avoid When Wearing Invisalign?

Mistreating your aligners can cause potentially expensive delays in your orthodontic treatment. A few rules to keep in mind include:

Clean your aligners gently

Harsh cleaning agents or hot water can warp your aligners or ruin their appearance. Only clean your aligners using cold or lukewarm water and approved cleaning agents.

Don’t wear your aligners when eating or drinking

Invisalign clear aligners are not designed to withstand the pressures of chewing, and sugary liquids caught between them and your teeth can cause tooth decay. Remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything but water.

Keep your trays in a safe place

Many aligners have been lost because someone placed theirs on a napkin next to their eating space only for it to be swept up and thrown out with the trash. Carry a protective case in your pocket so you have a safe place to store your aligners.

Invisalign is an amazing way to achieve a straighter smile. By keeping these rules in mind, you can keep your treatment brief and effective.

About the Practice

Pace Dental of Vienna delivers the most convenient and comfortable oral health services in Vienna, VA. Led by Drs. Ahmed Saad and Olga Spivak, the staff meets each patient’s needs with genuine concern and compassion. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign treatments. To schedule an Invisalign consultation, contact the office online or dial (703) 705-7476.