The Do’s and Don’ts of Invisalign

The Do's of Invisalign Treatment 

Use the following practices to ensure Invisalign serves you better and for longer.

 1. Clean and Soak Daily

Proper cleaning and daily soaking of aligners can help extend their lifespan, saving you the cost and time of replacing them. To clean your Invisalign aligners, you can use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste or a special cleaning solution specifically designed for Invisalign aligners. 

You can also soak them in water and white vinegar or a store-bought aligner cleaning solution. Be sure to rinse your aligners thoroughly after cleaning and before placing them back in your mouth.

 2. Brush and Mouthwash Before Use

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash before wearing your aligners. It will help strengthen your teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Be sure to rinse your aligners thoroughly after cleaning and before placing them back in your mouth.

Brushing and mouth washing helps remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Wear it as Much as Possible

You should wear Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day to ensure they exert necessary pressure to your teeth to move them into the desired position.

Removing your aligners too often or for long periods can extend the treatment time and may result in less-than-optimal results.

4. Follow Regular Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential when wearing Invisalign aligners. Regular oral hygiene will:

• Prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria, reducing oral problems like tooth decay or bad breath,
• Remove food particles stuck on the aligners,

• Ensure that your Invisalign treatment is effective, minimizing any side effects that may occur during treatment.

Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily, and brush and clean your aligners daily.

The Don'ts of Invisalign Treatment

Wearing Invisalign should not interfere with your daily activities, but there are various rules to using the aligners. 

1. Leave the Invisalign Sitting Out 

Leaving aligners out of your mouth can cause them to dry out, making them brittle and prone to cracking or breaking. As a result, it can shorten their lifespan and affect their effectiveness.

Keep your aligners in their case when not in use, and rinse them off with water before placing them back in your mouth. 

2. Clean Using Abrasive Chemicals

Abrasive chemicals can damage the surface of the aligners, causing them to become scratched, discolored, and may affect their effectiveness.

In addition, using abrasive chemicals to clean aligners can expose you to harmful chemicals, which may negatively impact your health. Clean your aligners with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste or a cleaning solution made for Invisalign aligners.

3. Smoke While Wearing Invisalign

Avoid smoking while wearing Invisalign to help maintain the appearance and effectiveness of the aligners. 

Discolored aligners may be more visible in the mouth and aesthetically unpleasing. If you smoke and have Invisalign, clean your aligners regularly to remove tobacco stains or odors.

 4. Eat or Drink While Wearing Invisalign

Remove your aligners when eating or drinking, except for water. Certain types of food and drinks, such as sticky or sugary foods, can cause aligners to become discolored or stained.

If you do need to eat or drink while wearing aligners, thoroughly clean them afterward to remove any food particles or stains to avoid the build-up of bacteria or plaques.

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At myOrthos, we provide care for all ages using a personalized approach to your treatment plan, meeting your needs and budget. We have flexible appointments, experienced doctors, and fun and friendly staff. Find a myOrthos Practice today, and let's get you smiling.