Important Do’s and Don’ts During Your Invisalign Journey

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, have become a popular alternative to traditional ceramic braces.  Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners offer a removable option to slowly guide teeth into an aligned position.  Clear aligners offer several benefits including less dietary restrictions, no pokey wires, and the ability to remove the aligners to brush and floss your teeth.  Clear aligners are an effective treatment option for many patients but there are certain do’s and don’ts patients should be aware of to ensure a smooth and effective orthodontic journey.

The Do’s:

1. Wear Your Aligners Consistently: With added patient responsibility, it is essential to wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time each day. Ideally, you should strive to wear the aligners 22 hours per day and only remove them for eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing.
2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Keeping your teeth and aligners clean is crucial to preventing plaque buildup, tooth decay, and bad breath. A key to keeping your mouth clean is brushing your teeth between eating or drinking anything (except water) and re-inserting your aligners. Additionally, flossing daily will ensure food particles are not trapped between your teeth.
3. Switch Aligners as Directed: Clear aligner treatment involves a series of aligners that are usually changed weekly.  Our orthodontist  crafted a treatment plan specifically for your aligner journey, so it is important to follow their instructions when it comes to wear and care. Delay in treatment normally comes from non-compliance.
4. Keep Your Aligners Clean: Not only is it important to keep up with your oral hygiene routine, but keeping your aligners clean as well. Regularly clean them using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, or soak them in a denture cleaner for a deeper clean.

The Don’ts:

1. Don’t Eat or Drink with Your Aligners in: While removable aligners are a perk during mealtime, it is crucial to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Not removing your aligners can lead to damage or staining.
2. Avoid Smoking or Chewing Gum: Smoking while wearing aligners can cause discoloration and odor, while chewing gum can damage your aligners and disrupt your treatment progress. It is recommended to avoid these altogether during Invisalign treatment.
3. Avoid Harsh Cleaning Agents: While it’s important to keep your aligners clean, be careful with what products you use. Do not use bleach or abrasive toothpaste, as they can damage the aligner material and interfere with your progress.
4. Don’t Skip Aligner Wear: Consistency is key when it comes to aligner treatment. Skipping aligners or not wearing them for the recommended time can negatively impact your treatment progress, as it can prolong your treatment or affect the final outcome.

Aligners are an effective and convenient option for orthodontic treatment, but it’s essential to follow the do’s and don’ts for the best results. By following our guidelines, you can ensure a successful  journey and enjoy the confidence that comes with a beautiful Vivid Orthodontics smile!