What Are Some Excellent Invisalign Habits?

Since it was introduced in the late nineties, Invisalign has exploded in popularity because it can straighten out a smile without the conspicuous metal components or dietary restrictions that come with traditional orthodontic methods. While many patients consider wearing these virtually invisible clear aligners to be much easier than wearing braces, there are still a few important rules you’ll need to follow to get the most out of your treatment. Here’s a brief list of dos and don’ts to keep in mind with Invisalign.

What Are Some Good Habits for Invisalign?

Wearing and caring for your Invisalign clear aligners the right way can make all the difference in the outcome of your treatment. A few excellent habits include:

• Thoroughly clean your aligners daily: Invisalign clear aligners must be kept clean to prevent discoloration, tooth decay, and bad breath. Using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, gently but thoroughly clean the inside and outside of each aligner at least once a day.
• Remove your aligners as needed: While you’ll need to wear your aligners at least twenty hours every day, they are not designed to withstand the pressures of chewing and must be removed whenever you practice oral hygiene or eat or drink anything but water.
• Keep your teeth clean: It’s crucial to clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Otherwise, plaque and food debris can be sheltered between the teeth and aligner, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply rapidly. Remember to wait at least thirty minutes after eating to allow your teeth to recover before brushing and flossing.

What Are Some Bad Invisalign Habits?

Poor Invisalign habits can lead to oral health problems or delays in your treatment. A few things to avoid include:

• Using hot water: Using hot water to clean your aligners can cause them to warp, potentially ruining their ability to realign your teeth properly. Stick with lukewarm water when cleaning your Invisalign appliances.
• Using harsh cleaning agents: Many cleaning products such as bleach can degrade your clear aligners, so only use cleaning agents approved by your orthodontist.
• Leaving your trays out in the open: While many might want to put their aligners on a napkin next to their eating space when eating lunch, this can make it too easy for them to be swept up and thrown in the trash afterward. Invest in a pocket-sized carrying case so you always have a secure location for your aligners when you’re not wearing them.

Invisalign can be an excellent way to reshape a smile into a healthier and more beautiful alignment. Consulting with your dentist can determine if Invisalign can be a suitable treatment for you.

About the Author

Dr. Philip A. Lisk earned his dental doctorate at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill in 1997 and pursues advanced training courses to further develop his skill set. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society. His office in North Raleigh, NC offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign treatments. For more information on staying on top of your Invisalign treatment, contact his office online or dial (919) 870-6892.