Getting to a perfect smile with an orthodontic treatment can be exciting. You’ll have an aesthetic set of teeth by the end, but you’ll have to be diligent in wearing your Invisalign trays. If you are new to them, then you may be a bit lost on what guidelines you should follow. To help you stay on track, here are some dos and don’ts that you should know about your clear aligners.
Do What You Can to Get the Full Wear-Time
You’ll need to wear your Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours every day. That means they’ll have to be removed when it’s time to dig into your meals, but it can be easy to forget to put them back in if you aren’t used to the routine. With them not being in for longer than they should, you’ll likely experience delays. Consider setting alarms or downloading an app to help you keep track of your wear time.
Don’t Eat or Drink While Wearing Your Aligners
Building off the point above, it’s crucial you don’t eat or drink anything (other than water) with your aligners. If you don’t, then you risk damaging the thin, plastic trays. If they become broken, then you’ll have to get them replaced. They’ll have to get them ordered in, meaning the previous set will be worn longer than expected.
Not only that, but drinks can get stuck between your Invisalign and teeth. Your smile may become stained, but you can also increase your risk of cavities.
Do Take the Time to Clean Your Teeth
After you finish eating, you may be tempted to pop your aligners in. However, this isn’t the best idea. There may be some pieces of food that are stuck in your smile, which can increase your odds of decay. Having a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss can help ensure you always have what you need to do your dental hygiene.
Don’t Use Hot Water
As was briefly mentioned, your Invisalign trays are made from plastic. They can become warped if you use water that’s too hot to clean them. While you may think it’ll be great for killing bacteria, it changes how they fit. This can make them unsafe or ineffective. Instead, make sure you rinse them under cold or lukewarm water.
Although you may be excited to get Invisalign, be sure to follow these dos and don’ts with your clear aligners. They can help ensure you stay on track with your treatment. That way, you can get to the results that you are most confident in with a healthier bite you love.
About the Practice
At BridgeMill Dental Care, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are here for the community to get the straighter smiles they love with Invisalign. By sticking with you every step of the way, we help you throughout your journey and let you know what you need to do to avoid any delays. If you want to learn how you can better care for your clear aligners, schedule an appointment or call our office at (803) 650-3925.