One of the nice things about Invisalign compared to traditional orthodontics is its convenience. Not only do clear aligners afford you substantial cosmetic benefits, but their removability also circumvents many of the restrictions associated with wire and bracket braces.
However, there are still a few things you need to know if you’re going to make it through your Invisalign treatment without any issues. Here are a few do’s and don’ts that you ought to keep in mind as you wear your clear aligners.
Do: Soak Your Aligner in Cleaning Solution
Usually when you get your Invislaign aligners, you’ll also be given some of Invisalign’s proprietary cleaning crystals. These can be dissolved in water in order to create a solution that can lift plaque and stains off of your trays. It’s best to do this frequently in order to keep your Invisalign feeling fresh, once a day or so.
Don’t: Use Hot Water to Clean your Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are made from plastic, and like any plastic it is possible for them to warp under certain circumstances. This can happen when your tooth is exposed to extreme heat or cold, which means that when you clean your trays it’s important to use only lukewarm water.
Do: Brush Your Teeth After Meals
Being able to remove your aligners before eating means that you won’t have to deal with any dietary restrictions. However, if you simply leave the food on your teeth after eating, you’ll accumulate bacteria on your trays. For that reason, it’s important to brush and floss thoroughly after every meal.
Don’t: Wear Invisalign While Eating
While you can eat anything you want if you take your trays off, leaving them on means that they’re just as vulnerable as if you were wearing traditional braces. You could damage or discolor your aligners if you eat while wearing them, so be sure to be steadfast about removing your trays before your meal.
Overall, your Invisalign treatment should be fairly easy. Keep these few tips in mind and you’ll be able to get through your clear aligner treatment quickly and easily.
About the Author
Dr. William C. Poe V is a profoundly experienced dentist, one capable of offering his patients a wide variety of services depending on their needs. No matter how complicated your condition, he is confident in his ability to use his unique skills to help you. Dr. Poe received his degree from USC Dental School, and has studied extensively with both the United States Dental Institute for Orthodontics and the Las Vegas Institute.
If you have any questions about Invisalign, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (562) 594-5067.