With no dietary restrictions or cumbersome oral hygiene regimens, Invisalign has a reputation for being a hassle-free orthodontic treatment. While it certainly is superior in aesthetics, comfort, and convenience, it still comes with some responsibilities. With this in mind, keep reading to learn some Invisalign dos and don’ts to help you stay on-track with your treatment plan!
Do Rinse Your Aligners When You Take Them Off
To prevent saliva from getting caked-on the surface of your aligners, you need to rinse them thoroughly each time you take them out. You should also run some water over them again before you put them back in; this will help prevent them from becoming smelly or stained.
Don’t Use Hot Water to Clean Your Trays
Whether you’re quickly rinsing your aligners after lunch or giving them a deeper clean in the evening with a soft-bristled toothbrush, make sure to check the temperature of the water first. This is important because, if the water is too hot, it can cause your trays to warp!
Do Brush Your Teeth After Each Meal
Think about it… If you don’t brush before putting your aligners back on, then they will trap food particles, plaque, and other debris against your teeth for hours on end. This dramatically increases the chances of oral health problems developing, like cavities, which can bring your treatment plan to a temporary stop.
Don’t Leave Your Aligners on the Table
When the time comes to take your aligners out – whether it’s to eat or complete your oral hygiene regimen – don’t leave them on the table or your bathroom counter. This is one of the easiest ways to accidentally misplace them, break them, or throw them away. Instead, put them in their case.
Do Prioritize Your Check-in Visits
Periodically throughout your Invisalign treatment, you’ll visit your dentist. Each and every one of these appointments is crucial because it allows them to monitor the movement of your teeth. So, don’t skip them, even if you already have your next several sets of aligners!
Don’t Drink Coffee with Your Trays In
There’s a common misconception that you can drink coffee with your aligners in if you use a straw. However, hot coffee (like hot water) can warp your aligners. Plus, iced coffee can still leave behind stubborn stains. That’s why patients are encouraged to only drink water with their trays in.
About the Practice
Ed Family Dental is led by a talented, experienced, and highly trained dentist, Dr. Shkurti. As a result, patients in Astoria can trust that their smiles are in the best hands – whether they need a routine checkup or want to straighten their teeth discreetly with Invisalign. Plus, the treatment process is easier than ever since we offer convenient hours and welcome multiple financial solutions! If you’d like to schedule an appointment with us, then visit our website or call (718) 806-1662.