Many patients wish to realign their teeth but are hesitant to commit to the complicated hygiene procedures, conspicuous metal parts, and dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. In recent decades, Invisalign has become increasingly popular as an orthodontic treatment because its clear aligners are removable, virtually invisible, easier to clean, and without dietary requirements. However, Invisalign still requires a significant effort on the part of the patient to be successful. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when wearing Invisalign.
During Invisalign Treatment, DO:
When wearing Invisalign, be sure to stick with the following practices:
Practice excellent daily hygiene with your aligners.
Invisalign clear aligners can trap food debris and plaque between themselves and your teeth, protecting them from the mouth’s cleaning process. This can lead to harmful bacteria breeding rapidly and causing discoloration or tooth decay. To prevent this from happening, thoroughly clean your mouth and your aligners before putting them in. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your aligners and teeth.
Soak your aligners daily.
Part of keeping your aligners clean is soaking them every day using Invisalign cleaning crystals or an approved denture cleaner. After soaking, remove any lingering plaque or food particles with a soft toothbrush. Rinse your dentures before you put them in your mouth after soaking.
Always wait thirty minutes after eating before cleaning your teeth.
Your mouth needs about half an hour to recover from acid exposure and clean itself after eating. Wait thirty minutes after meals and snacks before brushing to prevent damage to your enamel.
During Invisalign Treatment, DON’T:
When undergoing an Invisalign treatment, be sure to avoid these habits:
Don’t use unapproved cleaning agents.
Using hot or cold water can cause your Invisalign clear aligners to warp or break. Using non-approved cleaning agents like bleach can degrade the plastic and ruin the appliance.
Don’t eat or drink while wearing your clear aligners.
Unless you are drinking water, remove your Invisalign aligners when eating or drinking anything. Food debris and sugary residues can get caught underneath your aligners, which can lead to tooth decay and discoloration. Invisalign clear aligners are not designed to withstand the force of chewing, so eating while wearing them can damage these appliances.
Don’t leave your clear aligners unprotected.
While many people might be tempted to just place their aligners on a napkin by their eating space during a meal, this can make it easy to damage or lose them. Bring a storage case for your clear aligners whenever you go out.
Invisalign can be a fantastic way to straighten out your smile. Consulting with your dentist can determine if it is a fitting treatment for you.
About the Author
Dr. Karl Arakelian earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and completed a General Practice Residency at Tufts-New England Medical Center. He is a proud member of the Massachusetts Dental Association. His office in Bradford, MA offers general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in addition to Invisalign treatments. For more information on best practices while wearing Invisalign, contact his office online or dial (978) 373-0901.
