Do you feel self-conscious about a gap in your grin, or do you have somewhat overcrowded teeth that are challenging to keep clean? If so, you might be a good candidate for Invisalign.
This clear alternative to traditional orthodontics utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly over your arches to shift your teeth to their ideal positions. But it’s important to be well-informed about a potential treatment before deciding it’s right for you. With that in mind, continue reading to learn about 3 do’s and don’ts of Invisalign so you know more about what to expect!
Tip #1: DO Wear Your Aligners Long Enough
Unlike standard braces, which are attached to your enamel for the duration of your treatment, these transparent trays are completely removable. However, you must wear them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their starting places, which can potentially add weeks or months to your total timeline.
If you’re struggling with time management, you can download an app like TrayMinder to help you track how long you’re wearing your Invisalign.
Tip #2: DON’T Eat with Your Trays In
Patients with traditional orthodontics are expected to adhere to different dietary restrictions, like avoiding anything too hard, sticky, or crunchy, that might damage a bracket or snap a wire. Meanwhile, there’s really nothing you can’t eat with Invisalign because it’s completely removable.
But if you’re feeling tempted to eat a quick snack or have a cup of coffee with the trays still inserted, you might harm them. For instance, trying to bite or chew with them inserted could scratch or break them. You could also warp the plastic so it no longer fits if you drink anything too hot. As a result, it’s recommended that you take your aligners out to eat or drink anything besides cool or room-temperature water.
Tip #3: DO Clean Your Aligners Consistently
These transparent trays allow your natural smile to shine through, but only if you keep them clean. Bacteria, leftover food, and other debris in your mouth can form plaque on their surfaces or stain them, leaving them looking cloudy, dark, or dirty.
You can prevent this by removing them twice daily to thoroughly wash all sides with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild dish soap that won’t abrade the material. You can also place them in a solution of water with Invisalign cleaning crystals for about 15 minutes each day. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth, too, to avoid common dental concerns, such as cavities or gum disease.
Finally, don’t forget to schedule routine follow-up visits with your provider so they can ensure you’re on track with your treatment progress and provide the next aligners in your series that you’ll be asked to wear!
About the Practice
Patients at Michelsen Dental benefit from three providers with decades of combined experience. Dr. Michelsen, Dr. Karia, and Dr. Reed collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including Invisalign, to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. They combine a caring and compassionate approach with advanced technology to provide more comfortable treatments and accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (714) 492-1169.
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