If you’re trying to achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile with clear aligners, it’s important that you stay committed to wearing them every day, caring for them, and avoiding habits that could damage them. Many patients may not be used to the commitment that Invisalign in Herndon requires, which is why your dentist wanted to go over a few tips to make your treatment as smooth as possible.
With these do’s and don’ts in mind, you’ll be well on your way to the smile you’ve always wanted: straight, gap free, and absolutely gorgeous!
Do: Wear Your Aligners Often
To get your teeth straight as quickly as possible, it’s essential that you wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. That means wearing them during the day and while you sleep for one to two weeks per set, or as prescribed by your dentist.
While you can remove them for social events and when taking photos, you won’t need to as long as you take proper care of them. When adjusting for a new pair in the series, you may want to give yourself a day of buffer since they can minorly affect your speech.
Don’t: Eat, Drink, or Chew Gum While in Use
The thermoplastic material Invisalign uses is durable, but not durable enough to handle consistent chewing. Doing this can cause them to crack, effecting their ability to apply pressure and shift teeth. You also want to make sure you aren’t drinking any fluids other than plain water. Other drinks can stain aligners over time, making them more noticeable.
Do: Rinse and Clean Your Aligners Daily
It’s required that you rinse and brush your aligners every day. The best time to do this is when you go to brush in the morning and before bed. This works to remove plaque and food particles that gather on the inside of them. Failing to clean them can affect their appearance and even their ability to shift teeth. This is because food debris can prevent them from fitting as tightly as they should.
Don’t: Use Toothpaste to Clean Them
Toothpaste contains abrasive agents that can easily scratch your clear aligners. You’ll also want to avoid using soaps that are colored or scented. According to your cosmetic dentist in Herndon, you should be using a denture cleaner or Invisalign’s own brand of cleaning crystals to sanitize them.
Do: Keep Your Next Pair Easily Available
This is especially important if you’re on the go often and don’t always have time to get to your dentist. It’s also ideal in case you lose your current pair. Thankfully, you can always move on to the next pair should your current pair get lost or damaged while away from your dentist.
Want more tips on making your journey to straight teeth as smooth as possible? Schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn more about Invisalign!
About the Author
Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari is no stranger when it comes to the specialty care required for orthodontics. His Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency trained him to provide patients of all age exceptional care, including Invisalign. If you’re ready to have straighter teeth so you can feel better about your smile and take care of it more easily, contact him through his website and schedule your Invisalign consultation today.