Wearing Invisalign for the first time? You may feel uncertain about what to do and what to avoid during your treatment! Here are some general guidelines to follow while caring for your teeth and Invisalign aligners to ensure a smooth and effective journey.
Dos of Invisalign Treatment
1. Wear Your Aligners For 22 Hours A Day
Despite the many benefits of removable aligners, it’s still important to wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours a day! Aligners are only effective when they’re in contact with your teeth, so failing to stick to the recommended wear time could derail your treatment plan.
Learn more about why this is critical here.
2. Maintain Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is one of the most important cornerstones for successful Invisalign treatment. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy ensures that your aligners function optimally and that your overall oral health remains in excellent condition throughout the process.
Without proper care, food particles and plaque can accumulate, potentially leading to cavities, gum issues, or bad breath.
Some ways to maintain oral hygiene daily include:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing at least once a day to remove trapped food
- Rinsing your mouth after eating to loosen and remove food particles
You may also consider brushing and flossing after every meal especially while undergoing Invisalign treatment. This helps reduce plaque buildup and keeps your breath fresh! Learn more about maintaining oral health and fresh breath here.
3. Keep your aligners clean
Keeping your aligners clean focuses on preserving their clarity and ensuring they function as intended throughout your treatment. It also helps to prevent buildup of plaque, bacteria, and other debris that could affect your teeth and gums.
Here are some steps you can take to keep your aligners clean:
- Rinse your aligners with water every night.
- Brush your aligners daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, clear liquid soap to remove debris, food particles, plaque, or bacteria. Rinse thoroughly after brushing.
- For a deeper clean, you may also choose to use Invisalign’s cleaning crystals to clean your aligners.
4. Stick to the plan provided by your orthodontist
In addition to wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day, be sure to follow the plan outlined by your orthodontist. This includes moving to the next Invisalign tray on schedule. Moving on to the next set of trays too early or too late can interfere with your bite stability and/or extend your treatment time.
5. Prioritise your check-in visits
Regular appointments with your orthodontist are essential to ensure your teeth are moving as planned. These visits also allow your orthodontist to make adjustments to your treatment plan if needed. Staying on top of your appointments will help your Invisalign journey run smoothly.
Don’ts of Invisalign Treatment
1. Expose Invisalign to air and heat
Protecting your Invisalign aligners from air and heat is essential for maintaining their hygiene and shape. Proper storage and care will help prevent damage and keep your treatment on track, so be sure to:
- avoid leaving your aligners out in the open, as they can collect germs and bacteria from the air.
- never drink hot beverages or rinse your aligners with hot water, as heat can warp them and alter their fit.
- always store your aligners in the case provided by your orthodontist when they’re not in use.
2. Eat and drink while wearing aligners
Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, unless instructed otherwise by your orthodontist. This is because Invisalign aligners aren’t designed to withstand chewing pressure, and eating sticky or chewy foods can warp their shape. Foods and drinks, like coffee, can also stain your aligners.
It is best to remove your aligners when eating and drinking, and storing them safely in their allotted casing. Do also remember to clean your mouth after eating, and before putting on your aligners again!
3. Use harsh or strong products to clean Invisalign
When using Invisalign, avoid using strong products on your Invisalign. For instance, using a harsh toothbrush to clean your aligners can cause scratches and make them more visible.
Cleaning with scented or strong cleansers can also leave residue, reducing aligner clarity, and damaging the material.
Need More Invisalign Advice?
Reach out to your preferred dental clinic, or visit TLC Dental Centre for a consultation! Our orthodontist is professionally trained to address Invisalign-related concerns. Drop us a message at +65 9113 2847 to set your appointment.