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6 Invisalign® Tips

6 Invisalign® Tips

Invisalign® is a clear aligner system that can help you achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile. It’s an excellent option for people who want to improve their smile without the hassle of traditional metal braces. Invisalign® is a series of custom-made aligners worn over your teeth for a period of time. As you wear the aligners, they gradually move your teeth into the desired position.  

Tips to Get the Best Results With Invisalign®

You can do a few things to get the best results with Invisalign®. Invisalign® treatment is a process, and it takes time to see results. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a big difference immediately. If you have any questions about your treatment, don’t hesitate to discuss your situation with your dental provider. They are there to help you get the best results possible.  

Wear Your Aligners for the Full 22 Hours

Wearing your aligners for the full 22 hours is the most important tip for getting the best results with Invisalign®. You need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day for them to work effectively. If you don’t wear them for enough time, your treatment will take longer, and you may not get the desired results.

Here are some tips for making it easier to wear your aligners for the full 22 hours per day:

  • Wear them during the day and at night. This will give your teeth the most time to move.
  • Get used to wearing them by wearing them for shorter periods at first. Gradually increase the amount of time you wear them each day.
  • Find a way to make wearing them more comfortable. You can try using a chewie or a dental floss threader to help them fit better.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask your dental provider for help. They can offer tips and advice on how to make wearing your aligners more comfortable.
 

Regularly Clean Your Invisalign® Trays

It’s essential to keep your Invisalign® trays clean to prevent bacteria from building up. Bacterial build-up in the trays can result in tooth decay and gum disease, over time. Following these tips will help you keep your Invisalign trays clean and in good condition:
  • Brush your trays with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. This will help to remove any food particles or bacteria that may have gotten stuck on the trays.
  • Use Invisalign® cleaning crystals or a denture cleanser. These products are specifically designed to clean Invisalign trays and remove any stains or build-up.
  • Soak your trays in a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes once a week. This will help to remove any stubborn stains or build-up.
  • Don’t use soap or bleach to clean your trays. These products can damage the trays.
  • Rinse your trays thoroughly after cleaning. Make sure to remove all of the cleaning solution before putting them back in your mouth.
  • Store your trays in their case when you’re not wearing them. This will help to keep them clean and protected.
 

Always Clean Your Teeth Before Putting Your Aligners Back In

Cleaning your teeth before putting your aligners in will help to remove any food particles or bacteria that may have gotten stuck on your teeth.
  • Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and top.
  • Floss your teeth. Flossing after each meal will help remove any food particles, or plaque stuck between them.
  • Use Mouthwash. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash to kill any bacteria that may be present.
  • Once your teeth are clean, put your aligners back in. Be sure to align them properly to fit snugly over your teeth.

Here are a couple additional things to keep in mind:

  • If you cannot brush your teeth after eating, you can rinse your mouth with water.
  • If you are unable to brush your teeth or floss for an extended period, such as when you are traveling, you can ask your provider for a temporary retainer to wear.
 

Never Eat While Wearing Invisalign®

  • Eating with Invisalign can damage the aligners. The aligners are made of a soft plastic that can be easily damaged by chewing. If you eat with your aligners in, they can crack, chip, or even break. This can ruin your aligners and require you to start your treatment over.
  • Eating with Invisalign can stain the aligners. Certain foods, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, can stain the aligners. If you eat these foods with your aligners in, the stains will be permanent.
  • Eating with Invisalign can make your treatment take longer. If you eat with your aligners in, the food particles can get stuck between your teeth and the aligners. This can make it difficult to clean your teeth and can slow down your treatment.
  • Eating with Invisalign can increase your risk of tooth decay. When you eat with your aligners in, the food particles can get stuck between your teeth and the aligners, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease.
For these reasons, it is important to remove your Invisalign aligners before eating. This will help to protect your aligners, your teeth, and your smile.  

Properly Store Your Aligners

Storing your Invisalign® aligners properly will keep them in good condition and improve the outcome of your treatment. Here are some tips on how to properly store your Invisalign aligners:
  • Store them in their case when you’re not wearing them. The case your aligners came in protects them from dust, dirt, and bacteria.
  • Keep the case clean. Rinse the case out with water after each use. You can also use a mild soap and water solution to clean the case.
  • Store the case in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the case in direct sunlight or in a humid environment.
  • Don’t put your aligners in your pocket or purse. The aligners can get damaged if they are jostled around.
  • Don’t share your aligners with anyone else. This can spread bacteria and other germs.
 

Don’t Miss Checkups

It is important to attend all of your Invisalign follow-up appointments. Follow-up appointments will help to ensure that your treatment is successful and that you have a positive experience. If your dentist finds any problems, they will discuss them with you and make recommendations on how to address them. They may also need to adjust your treatment plan.

At your Invisalign follow-up appointments, your dentist will check for a number of things, including:

  • The progress of your treatment. They will ensure that your teeth are moving in the desired direction and that the aligners fit properly.
  • The health of your teeth and gums. They will look for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other problems.
  • Any problems with your aligners. They will check for any cracks, chips, or other damage.
  • Your compliance with your treatment plan. They will make sure that you are wearing your aligners for the full prescribed time and that you are brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.
 

Get Fitted For Invisalign® in Point Pleasant, NJ

The Invisalign process always begins with a consultation. Dr. Zicchino, Coastal Dental’s Point Pleasant dentist, will conduct a dental exam to ensure you’re an ideal candidate for Invisalign. If you are, we’ll use advanced technology to scan your teeth. Then, using sophisticated software, Dr. Zicchino will plot out your course of treatment. We will fabricate your aligners using a revolutionary and comfortable SmartTrack material. Then, you’ll embark on your journey with Invisalign! You’ll visit us periodically throughout your treatment period so we can check on your progress and answer any questions you may have. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, please contact Coastal Dental in Point Pleasant, NJ or book a visit online. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and schedule a consultation.