Between the fact that you can eat whatever you want and you don’t have to buy any special oral hygiene tools to clean your teeth, Invisalign is a relatively hassle-free orthodontic treatment! With that said, there are some guidelines you need to follow, especially if you don’t want to add months or years onto the backend of your treatment timeline. To help prevent that from happening, keep reading for the do’s and don’ts of Invisalign.
DO Wear Your Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day
Since your aligners only work while you’re wearing them, you need to wear them as much as possible! The general guideline is 20-22 hours a day, but really you should only remove your trays to eat and complete your oral hygiene regimen. That way, you don’t add weeks or months onto your treatment.
DON’T Use Harsh Chemicals to Clean Your Trays
If your trays are starting to smell or look yellow, you might be tempted to use mouthwash, bleach, or another harsh cleaner. Don’t! All you need to keep your aligners in pristine condition are clean water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and the cleaning crystals that came in your Invisalign welcome kit.
DO Use Cool Water to Rinse Your Aligners
When rinsing your aligners – whether it’s because you just took them out or because you’re about to put them back in – always use cool water. Remember, although your aligners are durable, they aren’t indestructible. If you use hot water, they can warp, leaving them virtually useless.
DON’T Wrap Your Trays in a Napkin
When it comes time to take your trays out to eat, don’t wrap them in a napkin – that’s one of the most common ways they get misplaced! Instead, rinse your aligners off with some cool water and place them gently in their designated storage case.
DO Brush Your Teeth Before Putting Your Trays Back In
If you’re eating at a restaurant, at the office, or at a friend’s house, it may seem more convenient to just brush your teeth once you get home. However, if you put your aligners back in before cleaning your teeth, you’re at an increased risk of developing tooth decay. So, don’t wait – brush your teeth right away!
DON’T Drink Coffee with Your Aligners In
There’s a common misconception that you can drink coffee with your aligners in as long as you use a straw. That’s not the case! This is one of the quickest ways to stain your trays, making your teeth look yellow and brittle in the process.
About the Practice
Leading our team at Cityline Dental Center are two exceptional dentists: Dr. Stampe and Dr. Gater. With their combined years of education, training, and experience, they can help patients in and around Richardson with all of their dental needs and smile goals – from biannual checkups to clear aligner treatment. If you’re interested in learning more about the latter, then schedule an appointment with us via our website or by phone at (972) 231-9499.