Invisalign is one of the most innovative and preferred treatments in orthodontics. Instead of wearing bulky metal brackets, Invisalign relies on clear, comfortable aligners to gently move your teeth into ideal position. There are many advantages to choosing Invisalign, including their ability to be removed to eat, brush and floss. Invisalign can also be a friendly option if you have a busy schedule, as most patients only need to visit their dental office every 4-6 weeks.
While Invisalign is undoubtedly an easy and convenient means of straightening your smile, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have to do your part too. In fact, with so few office visits during your treatment, you’ll be in charge of the majority of your Invisalign process at home. The way you use and care for your aligners will determine if, when and how well your teeth align into a beautiful and confident smile.
Are You Doing This for Your Aligners Each Day?
If you want Invisalign to work for you, here are some things you need to do for Invisalign:
Clean Your Aligners Properly
Just because you don’t eat with your aligners in doesn’t mean you don’t need to clean them. Like your teeth, it is important to clean your aligners each day to eliminate lingering bacteria. Simply brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently strokes and non-abrasive toothpaste. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to protect the shape of the plastic.
Rinse Them If You Drop Them
While you shouldn’t take them in and out very often, it is not uncommon to get a little clumsy when you do transfer your aligners. If you drop your aligners (or any removable oral appliance), do your best to clean or rinse them off before putting them back in your mouth. If not, you could allow bacteria or dirt to get trapped between your aligners and your teeth, which puts your pearly whites at risk for problems.
Wear Your Aligners 22 Hours Per Day
While Invisalign allows you the valued convenience of removing your aligners when needed, they should be worn at least 22 hours of the day. In addition, you’ll change to a new aligner set every two weeks or when advised by your provider. Failure to abide by these guidelines can delay your treatment and results!
Repair or Replace Them Promptly
Just like any other oral appliance, it is not uncommon for aligners to suffer damage or get lost. However, you should not wait until your next set is scheduled to be put in. Instead, call your Invisalign provider to get a replacement set of aligners as soon as possible.
Have More Questions About Invisalign?
At TruDent Clinics, we love straightening smiles! We work hard to make your Invisalign process as simple as possible. This includes giving patients careful instructions about how to maximize their Invisalign treatment at home. If you have more questions about how to care for your Invisalign aligners, please do not hesitate to call our office.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING TRUDENT CLINICS
