Are you seeking a more comfortable and discreet solution than traditional braces to straighten your smile? If so, you might be a good candidate for Invisalign. Instead of relying on metallic brackets and wires, this orthodontic alternative utilizes transparent plastic trays that won’t cut the tender tissues inside your mouth and allow your natural enamel to shine through.
However, it’s important to understand what life is like with clear aligners before deciding to proceed with this service. Continue reading to learn about 3 essential do’s and don’ts of treatment with Invisalign so you can make an informed decision!
#1: DO Clean Them Consistently
Many adults and teens alike opt for Invisalign because the transparent trays are much more aesthetically pleasing than standard orthodontics. But bacteria in your mouth, along with leftover bits of food, can form plaque on the surfaces or stain them, leaving them looking dark, dirty, or cloudy.
You can help keep the trays clean by removing them twice daily to gently scrub all their surfaces with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear dish soap that won’t abrade the material. You might also want to rinse them under gently running water after meals to prevent debris from forming residue buildup, which defeats the purpose of “invisible” aligners.
#2: DON’T Eat With Them Inserted
Patients are usually instructed to wear their trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent their teeth from reverting to their starting positions, which can potentially add weeks or months to their total treatment timeline. That means you should plan to wear them most of the day and night, but not during meals.
This is because the force of biting and chewing can bend, break, or damage the plastic trays. Not only that, but overly hot temperatures can warp the material so your aligners no longer fit or function as intended, which can also prevent you from completing treatment. It’s best to take them out and store them carefully in their case, which helps protect them from harm and prevents you from tossing them out with the trash when you’re done eating.
#3: DO Schedule Routine Follow-Ups
It’s important to schedule routine follow-up visits with your dentist throughout your treatment to help monitor your treatment progress and dental health. Some patients mistakenly assume that if they don’t notice any immediate issues, their teeth and gums must be in good condition and that they’ll successfully complete Invisalign at the anticipated time.
But it’s possible to develop hidden oral issues, like cavities between teeth or early gum disease, and not know. Seeing your dentist allows them to catch and treat any areas of concern before they can progress, so that your smile is as healthy as it is straight afterward. Not only that, but they’ll need to verify that your teeth are moving as they should and provide the next trays in your series you’ll be required to wear.
If you have additional questions about life with Invisalign, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at Today’s Family Dental benefit from two dentists passionate about helping you and your loved ones build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. De Rosso and Dr. Maximos shared a combined 30+ years of experience, and today, they collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including Invisalign, to people of all ages. If you’re concerned about overcrowded or gapped teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (908) 689-8887.