Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that provides an effective and discreet way to straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that are virtually invisible, allowing you to go about your daily life without the noticeable appearance of braces. However, while Invisalign offers several advantages, including comfort and convenience, it’s important to properly care for your teeth and aligners during the treatment to ensure the best results.
In this blog from Cali Family Dental in Pico Rivera, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to care for your teeth and Invisalign aligners, helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile without the hassle.
1. Wear Your Aligners for the Recommended Time
One of the key benefits of Invisalign treatment is the flexibility it offers. The aligners are removable, allowing you to take them out when eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth. However, to achieve the desired results, it’s crucial to wear your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours each day.
It might be tempting to leave them out longer, but doing so can prolong the treatment and delay your progress. Remember, the aligners work by gradually shifting your teeth into the correct position. Consistent wear is essential for the aligners to work effectively.
2. Clean Your Teeth Before Putting Your Aligners Back In
After you remove your aligners to eat or drink, it’s important to clean both your teeth and your aligners before putting them back in. This helps prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which could cause plaque buildup, cavities, or bad breath.
- Brush Your Teeth: Always brush your teeth thoroughly after eating or drinking (other than water). This will remove food particles and plaque, ensuring that your aligners stay clean and that your teeth remain healthy throughout treatment.
- Floss Regularly: Flossing is essential for removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth. When wearing aligners, it’s even more important to floss regularly to prevent buildup between your teeth and under the aligners. Flossing once a day is typically sufficient for most people.
- Use Mouthwash: Rinse with mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid drying out your mouth and irritating your gums.
3. Clean Your Invisalign Aligners Properly
Your aligners are an investment in your smile, so it’s important to take proper care of them. Here’s how to keep your Invisalign aligners clean:
- Rinse the Aligners: Every time you remove your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water. This helps prevent saliva and plaque buildup. Be sure not to use hot water, as it can warp the plastic and affect the fit of the aligners.
- Clean with a Soft Toothbrush: You can gently brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any plaque or debris. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface of the aligners, making them more prone to discoloration.
- Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals: Invisalign also offers a cleaning solution designed specifically for cleaning your aligners. You can soak your aligners in this solution to keep them fresh and free of odor-causing bacteria.
- Avoid Soaking in Harsh Chemicals: Never soak your aligners in mouthwash, bleach, or other harsh chemicals, as they can damage the plastic and affect their clarity.
4. Avoid Eating or Drinking with Aligners In
One of the advantages of Invisalign is the ability to remove the aligners when eating or drinking. This is important for several reasons:
- Prevent Damage to Aligners: Eating with your aligners in can cause them to crack or become warped. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, in particular, can damage the aligners.
- Protect Your Teeth: When you eat or drink, food particles and sugary liquids can get trapped under your aligners. If you don’t clean your teeth and aligners before putting them back in, it can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, or staining.
For the best results, always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
5. Keep Your Aligners in Their Case
When you remove your aligners, always store them in their protective case to prevent losing them or accidentally damaging them. If you don’t have a case, you might be tempted to place them on a napkin or tissue, but this can easily lead to the aligners being thrown away or lost. Keeping them in the case will protect them from bacteria and dirt as well.
6. Stay on Track with Your Treatment Plan
Invisalign treatment typically involves a series of aligners, with each set designed to move your teeth incrementally closer to their final position. It’s important to wear each set of aligners for the specified amount of time (usually about one to two weeks) and then switch to the next set in the series as directed by your orthodontist.
- Follow the Schedule: Stay on schedule with your aligners. Missing too many days or wearing your aligners for less than the recommended 20-22 hours per day can delay your treatment and extend the time it takes to see results.
- Attend Regular Checkups: While Invisalign requires fewer visits to the orthodontist compared to traditional braces, it’s still important to attend regular checkups. Your orthodontist will monitor your progress and provide you with the next sets of aligners. These visits also ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned and that any adjustments are made in a timely manner.
7. Be Mindful of Your Diet
Although Invisalign offers the convenience of removable aligners, it’s still important to be mindful of what you eat and drink during your treatment. Avoid sticky, hard, or sugary foods that can damage your aligners or contribute to plaque buildup.
- Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks: Sugary foods and drinks can cause plaque to form on your teeth, especially if you drink them with your aligners in. If you indulge in sugary snacks, remember to brush and floss afterward to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Eat Teeth-Friendly Foods: Choose foods that promote healthy teeth, such as crunchy fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and lean proteins. These foods help clean your teeth naturally and support good oral health.
8. Stay Consistent and Patient
Invisalign treatment is a commitment, and like any orthodontic treatment, it requires patience and consistency. Stay on top of your oral care routine and be diligent about wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time each day. While Invisalign treatment is more convenient and comfortable than traditional braces, the best results are achieved through consistent care and attention.
A Journey to a Beautiful Smile
Caring for your teeth and Invisalign aligners is essential for achieving the best possible results during your treatment. By following these tips—wearing your aligners consistently, cleaning your teeth and aligners properly, and staying on schedule with your treatment plan—you can enjoy a smoother, more convenient experience with Invisalign. Not only will you achieve the beautiful smile you desire, but you’ll also maintain the health of your teeth and gums throughout the process. If you have any questions about Invisalign or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist at Cali Family Dental. Your healthy, confident smile is within reach! To learn if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, call 562-656-2020 and schedule an appointment with Cali Family Dental today.
