Are you new to Invisalign® treatment? If so, you’ve come to the right place! The tips we’ll share in this blog post will help you take better care of your Invisalign aligners.
As your local dental practice, we want to help make the Invisalign process as streamlined and comfortable as possible.
Here’s what you need to know about caring for your clear aligners.
Wear Your Aligners Consistently
In order for Invisalign to work, you’ll need to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. That way, your teeth will move into proper alignment on schedule.
If you skip a day of wearing your aligners, you’ll notice that they’ll feel tighter on your teeth. Not only is this more uncomfortable for you, but we may have to delay giving you the next set of aligners in your treatment plan.
We have to wait until your teeth have moved accordingly before we can proceed with your Invisalign treatment. Our Invisalign dentists always want to make sure they’re moving your teeth in a way that’s safe and precise.
Use Your Invisalign Case
We’ll give you a case to hold your Invisalign aligners. That way, you’ll be able to put them in a safe place while you eat or drink anything other than water.
It’s not uncommon for people to throw away their clear aligners by accident. This can happen when you place your aligners on a napkin or lunch tray. We also advise against cramming your aligners in your purse or pocket as this will bend your aligners out of shape.
Using your Invisalign case will ensure that your aligners remain in good condition throughout treatment.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that it’s easier to maintain your oral hygiene routine. Simply remove your aligners when it’s time to brush and floss your teeth. This is much easier than trying to clean your teeth around metal brackets and wires!
We recommend that you brush your teeth for two minutes at a time after eating. Doing this will help you avoid staining your aligners. It’ll also help prevent plaque buildup on your teeth and gums.
You should also floss your teeth once a day to remove any plaque or food particles hiding between teeth. Your smile will thank you!
Avoid Sugary Drinks
It’s perfectly fine to drink water while wearing your aligners. But you’ll need to remove your Invisalign to drink any other beverage, such as coffee. Otherwise, the aligners may trap some of the liquid against your teeth. This essentially soaks your teeth in sugar, which feeds the bacteria inside your mouth. The trapped liquid may also stain your teeth and Invisalign aligners.
Make sure you always brush after every meal or after drinking anything other than water to avoid cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Learn More About Invisalign Aligners
Curious to learn if you’re a candidate for Invisalign aligners? Our Invisalign dentists in Northville, MI, would be more than happy to help you explore your treatment options. To request an appointment, call Gasior Family Dental at (248) 348-7997. We hope to hear from you soon!
