Invisalign offers a convenient, discreet way to straighten your smile, but the success of your treatment depends on how well you follow your orthodontist’s game plan. That said, knowing what to do and what not to do can help you keep things moving along smoothly and without complications. Here are a few key Invisalign dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you navigate your exciting journey to a straighter smile!
Invisalign Do’s
Here are some sensible habits to practice if you wear Invisalign:
- Wear your aligners as instructed for 20 – 22 hours a day, since consistent wear is the key to your teeth moving as planned.
- Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water; this prevents staining and damage.
- Clean your aligners daily, rinsing them with room temperature water and gently brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Follow your aligner change schedule, since switching on time helps to maintain steady progress. It’s often easiest to swap to your new trays at night before bed.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene, since the aligners can trap bacteria underneath them, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
- Attend all your scheduled checkups, so that your oral health and treatment progress can both be monitored.
Invisalign Don’ts
Although Invisalign treatment is thought of as easier than wearing metal braces, there are still a few bad habits and crucial mistakes you won’t want to make to ensure treatment success:
- Don’t drink hot beverages while wearing your aligners or use hot water to rinse them; heat can distort their shape, ruining their fit and effectiveness.
- Don’t skip wear time; even a few hours or days can add up quickly and derail your progress. Set a phone reminder to help you stay on top of this.
- Don’t forget to store your aligners properly whenever they’re out of your mouth; leaving them loose increases the chance of them being accidentally thrown away or damaged.
By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll help ensure a smoother Invisalign experience and get to your new smile right on time. Of course, if you still have questions about how to keep things moving, don’t hesitate to speak with your orthodontist for additional advice.
About the Practice
Here at Simply Dental of Lowell, Dr. Harry Golnazarian, Dr. Chong Lee, and the rest of our team are proud to serve the dental needs of patients and families in Lowell and the nearby communities. We offer a wide range of dental services, including Invisalign clear aligners for patients hoping to straighten their teeth and correct bite problems. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (978) 485-2929.
