Have you recently started your Invisalign journey? You might be excited about getting a straighter smile, but it will take time to get to it. To make sure you don’t have any delays, you will need to build a clear aligner routine. This might be hard to do at first, but knowing a few tips and tricks can be helpful. Here are four do’s and don’ts you should know about your trays.
Do Keep Your Aligners In for 22 Hours Daily
Many people like Invisalign because it’s a removable option compared to braces. You won’t need to worry about breaking wires or brackets, but it’s important you remember to put your aligners back in. They work because they apply gentle pressure to your teeth. Keeping them in for 20 to 22 hours every day will help make sure your journey goes smoothly and avoid delays.
Don’t Eat or Drink While Your Trays Are In
Building off the point above, you must take out your trays every time you eat or drink. If not, then you risk damaging or staining your aligners. Particles can also get trapped between your teeth and them, which can then turn into cavities and discoloration! The only thing you can have while your trays are in is water. Having a reusable bottle can be a great way to avoid trouble.
Do Make Sure You Brush and Floss Consistently
After you finish eating, it’s important that you brush and floss afterward. While this may be a tough habit to build at first, it’s crucial because plaque and bacteria can transfer to your trays. By cleaning them off, they won’t be able to cause any trouble, like decay or gum disease. Having a kit of your dental essentials for when you go out can make sure you are never far from what you need to clear your smile of food debris.
Don’t Use Hot Water to Clean Your Aligners
Just like your teeth, your Invisalign deserves a good scrubbing too. Just be sure that you don’t use hot water. After all, your trays are made from thin plastic, so you risk them warping. If this happens, they will be ineffective, so make sure you only use warm or lukewarm water. Combine this with a soft-brittle toothbrush and clear, gentle soap, and you’re all set!
As you get used to your clear aligners, these points might start to become second nature. Once they do, you can take a step closer to avoiding delays and keeping your orthodontic treatment on track.
About the Practice
At Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson, our team is proud to help the local community achieve straighter, more confident smiles with Invisalign. Whether you’re just starting this treatment or have questions, our skilled dentists are here to guide you every step of the way. If you want more tips on living with clear aligners, schedule an appointment or call our office at (972) 644–3800.