Invisalign continues to be a popular treatment among teens and adults as an effective way to straighten a smile. You might’ve joined the club and are well on your way to a healthier bite you love. While you get adjusted to your trays, there are several do’s and don’ts that you should be aware of. Getting to know these four will help you transition and build an aligner routine that’ll set you up for success.
Do Get the Full Wear Time
When you have your Invisalign in, they will apply a gentle pressure that’ll move your teeth into their desired positions. You can keep them shifting effectively by wearing your trays for 20 to 22 hours every day and swapping to your next set as directed. However, if you don’t reach this time, then you are likely to experience delays. If you think you’ll have trouble remembering, then set an alarm to make sure you don’t forget.
Don’t Eat or Drink Anything* with Your Trays In
One benefit of clear aligners is that they are removable. You are able to stick to your normal diet, but it’s important you don’t eat or drink with them in. Doing so can damage the trays themselves and make them unsafe to wear. Beverages can also get trapped and lead to stains or even cavities. There is an asterisk, though, as there is one exception! You can still enjoy water, so consider keeping a reusable bottle handy.
Do Follow Proper Oral Hygiene
You will need to keep up with brushing and flossing before you start with Invisalign, but even more so during it! Bacteria and plaque can transfer to your aligners, increasing your risk of decay and other oral health issues. Make it a habit to clean your smile every time after you have a meal; that way, you can avoid complications. Many people find it helpful to create a small pouch of their dental essentials to take on the go.
Don’t Clean Your Invisalign Trays with Hot Water
Just like your teeth, your trays will need to be given a good scrubbing at least twice a day. When it’s time to, be sure you avoid using hot water. Invisalign is made from thin plastic, so you risk it warping. This will make that set ineffective and unsafe to have in. Simply run the tap on cold or lukewarm.
Keep these do’s and don’ts in mind while you are undergoing this type of orthodontics. That way, you can make sure you have a smooth experience with them toward a straight smile you love.
About the Practice
At Richardson Orthodontics, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Tamara Jones and Dr. Stephanie Amerson. We are dedicated to helping the local community get the healthier bites they deserve with reliable services like Invisalign. By sticking with you throughout your treatment, we can help you have a comfortable journey to the results you dream of. If you need help adjusting to your clear aligners, schedule an appointment or call our office at (972) 238-7101.