What Are Some Tips for Wearing Invisalign?

Many patients report that oral care with Invisalign is much easier than with traditional metal braces, but patients will still need to follow a few basic rules to keep their teeth healthy and their treatments on track. Without proper care, a patient’s teeth might become discolored or shift out of alignment. Here are a few things you should know about wearing Invisalign, including a few dos and don’ts to help you protect your teeth and ensure your treatment is effective.

What Should I Do When I’m Wearing Invisalign?

There are a few habits that can help you make sure your Invisalign treatment goes as well as possible. These include:

Clean your aligners daily

You should clean your aligners at least once a day using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Carefully clean the interior and exterior of your aligners to eliminate plaque and food debris that can cause bad breath, dental stains, and tooth decay.

Practice proper oral hygiene

If your teeth are covered with plaque when you put your aligners on, the aligners will shelter it from your mouth’s natural cleaning process. Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in to keep your teeth safe from infections.

Wear your aligners sufficiently each day

Invisalign requires patients to wear their clear aligners for at least twenty hours every day. Neglecting to do so can cause delays in your treatment or even allow the teeth to shift back out of place, undoing the orthodontic progress you’ve made so far.

What Should I Not Do When Wearing Invisalign?

There are also a few practices you should avoid to protect your teeth and your aligners while wearing Invisalign. A few ways to keep your treatment on track include:

Avoid using harsh cleaning agents

Hot or cold water can warp your aligners, ruining their ability to straighten your teeth. Similarly, harsh chemicals like bleach can have the same effect by degrading the plastic.

Remove your clear aligners when eating or drinking

If you are eating or drinking anything but water, remove your Invisalign aligners. These appliances are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing, and hot or cold liquids can cause them to warp. Chewing while wearing your aligners can also trap food particles beneath them, leading to stains and tooth decay.

Keep your clear aligners in a safe area

Placing your clear aligners on a napkin next to your eating space during lunch is a great way to have them thrown away accidentally. Carry a special case in your pocket for storing your clear aligners when not wearing them.

Keeping your Invisalign treatment on track means a briefer treatment and a better result. Complying with your orthodontist’s instructions will keep the process going smoothly.

About the Practice

Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry delivers the finest children’s dental and orthodontic care available in Arlington Heights, IL. Led by Drs. Jeffery Kemp, Christopher Hall, Shaun Murphey, Justin Welke, and Megan Davenport, the staff provides each patient with stunning customer service and a warm, welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include children’s general, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. For more information about wearing Invisalign, contact his office online or dial (847) 255-3020.