When it comes to orthodontics, one treatment that is getting more popular is Invisalign. You might’ve joined the club to get a healthier bite you love. However, you’ll need to create a new routine while you have your clear aligners. It may seem harder at first to make a process that works for you, but here are some do’s and don’ts you should follow while on your smile-straightening journey.
Do Your Best to Wear Your Aligners for 20 to 22 Hours a Day
Like with any other orthodontic service, Invisalign works by applying constant pressure on your teeth. It’s gentle, but it helps slowly shift your smile into its desired position. This works effectively because you’ll need to wear your trays for 20 to 22 hours every day and swap to your next set when planned. This will keep you on track and avoid delays, but if you think you may be forgetful about putting them back in, then consider setting alarms.
Don’t Eat or Drink with Your Trays In
While your diet won’t be affected with your clear aligners since they are removable, you should make sure to take them out when you eat and drink. Food can cause damage to the trays, making them less effective, while beverages can get trapped and increase your risk of cavities and stains.
The only thing you can have while wearing your Invisalign is water. Stick to it, and you can avoid problems that come from eating and drinking anything else.
Do Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Keeping up with a clean smile is a crucial step in your clear aligner treatment. You will need to brush and floss after you eat every time. If there is any plaque or food debris trapped underneath your trays, then you may be more prone to decay and discoloration as well. Build a habit of scrubbing your teeth, and you can prevent any oral health issues from happening.
Don’t Clean Your Aligners with Hot Water
Your Invisalign trays are made from a thin plastic, so when it’s time to clean them, make sure you don’t use hot water. Running your aligners under it can lead to warping. The fit will be changed, making it more unsafe to wear them while also leaving them ineffective. Simply use cold or lukewarm water to avoid this.
In the end, keep in mind these do’s and don’ts for your aligner treatment. Following them can help set you up for success and avoid delays; that way, you get to the healthier smile you love without a problem.
About the Author
Dr. Mohannad Abboushi earned his dental degree from New York University. He has since continued his education, becoming certified in Invisalign. Dr. Abboushi is proud to offer this orthodontic service to the Bloomfield community. By sticking with you every step of your teeth-straightening journey, you can trust that you know how to do your best to stay on track. If you want some more tips on taking care of your aligners, schedule an appointment or call (973) 358-7277.