Invisalign is an innovative alignment system that uses aligners made from comfortable and clear material to achieve the same results as traditional orthodontic treatments. They’re an alternative to braces for individuals who don’t like the look and feel of traditional metal braces.
They’re a great way to boost your confidence and long-term oral health. As with any dental treatment plan, you should keep important do’s and don’ts in mind while undergoing Invisalign treatment.
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How Effective Is Invisalign in Straightening Teeth?
Invisalign clear aligners are great for addressing mild to moderate orthodontic problems. It has an extensive impact on straightening misaligned teeth and yields similar results to traditional braces with minimal discomfort and maximal discretion.
You can have straight teeth in as little as 12-18 months if you wear your aligner tray consistently. Results, however, will vary per person.
How Is Invisalign Worn?
The following are dos and don’ts to wearing Invisalign.
- DO brush and floss your teeth regularly. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily. It is also recommended that you brush your teeth before and after wearing your aligner to eliminate food debris and plaque from your teeth and avoid gum disease.
- DO follow your dentist’s instructions. The success of Invisalign treatment relies on the patient’s compliance with the dentist’s instructions. It is important that patients follow the dietary and aligner care instructions and also the restrictions of Invisalign treatment.
- DO wear your Invisalign for 20-22 hours per day. Wearing your Invisalign for 20-22 hours a day maximises its effectiveness in aligning your teeth. Failure to follow the advised wearing time can prolong the treatment and complicate your orthodontic problem.
- DO attend regular checkups with your dentist. They can tell you if your treatment plan needs to be adjusted or if you need to make changes that could improve treatment outcomes.
- DO carry the special case provided by your dentist to store the aligners when you’re not wearing them.
- DON’T forget to clean the aligners before and after wearing them. Invisalign aligner trays must be cleaned frequently to remove plaque, reduce the risk of tooth decay and prevent gum disease and unpleasant taste. Do this when you wake up in the morning, before putting them back after eating, and before wearing them at night.
- DON’T smoke or consume alcohol while wearing Invisalign. Bad habits like smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages can cause discolouration and warping of the aligners, making them less effective at realigning the teeth.
- DON’T leave Invisalign out for long periods. Remove your aligners only for eating, drinking, and cleaning purposes. Leaving them out longer means less time spent straightening and moving your teeth.
- DON’T play sports while wearing Invisalign. Instead of wearing your aligners, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
- DON’T skip aligner trays. Follow the sequence of the aligners and replace them every two weeks or as frequently as instructed by your dentist. Do not skip trays, as this can disrupt your treatment progress and cause dental pain.
- DON’T force the aligners in place. Use gentle pressure to secure your aligners in place. Biting down on them, especially during the first fitting of the tray, can lead to breakage and increased tooth pain.
- DON’T skip appointments with your dentist. Missing appointments could delay progress and cause further issues with misalignment that would require additional treatments.
If you’re considering Invisalign aligner treatment or already use them, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully. By following their instructions, you can maximise the benefits of Invisalign while minimising any unwanted side effects and lengthening treatment time. This will help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!
How Is Invisalign Cleaned?
Daily cleaning of your aligners clean is important in maintaining good oral hygiene. Not only does it protect your teeth and gums from harmful bacteria and decay, but it also helps keep your Invisalign clear and free of stains. To help you maintain the cleanliness of your Invisalign and keep them in tip-top shape, here are some do’s and don’ts that you should be aware of.
Here are some do’s and don’ts of Invisalign cleaning:
- DO brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Brushing your teeth regularly will help remove food particles and the buildup of bacteria from your teeth and gums and prevent plaque buildup on the aligners. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush for gentle cleaning. - DO keep your aligners clean with warm water and mild soap.
Fill a cup or basin with warm water, add some mild anti-bacterial soap, drop the Invisalign into the solution and gently scrub to remove food particles and plaque. After cleaning, rinse the aligners with cold water to remove all soap residue before putting them back in your mouth. - DO use specialised cleaners.
You can purchase special cleaning solutions designed for Invisalign. Invisalign Cleaning Crystals and Invisalign Aligner Cleaning Foam are cleaning products that contain ingredients that help break down tough stains and the buildup of plaque while being gentle enough not to damage the plastic material of the aligners themselves. - DO brush your teeth after meals.
Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after meals before placing the aligners back into your mouth to remove any food particles trapped between your teeth and the aligners. - DO avoid foods and drinks that stain.
Frequent consumption of coloured food and drinks like coffee can lead to tooth staining, which could transfer to the aligners. Avoid these whenever possible, or brush your teeth soon after eating these foods and drinks if unable to avoid them altogether. - DO keep your aligner case clean.
To prevent bad odour and bacterial buildup on your case, clean it frequently. Clean and dry it before putting your aligners in. - DON’T use hot water.
Hot water can cause warping of the aligner. It will deform the aligner and make it unusable. - DON’T brush too hard.
Do not brush too hard when cleaning your Invisalign, as this could cause scratches and decrease lifespan. Use gentle strokes when brushing the aligners with a soft-bristled brush. - DON’T soak overnight.
Soaking overnight is not recommended, as prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the aligner to become brittle. Instead, give them a quick rinse after meals. - DON’T boil.
Boiling is also not recommended since this could cause drastic changes in the aligner’s shape. When this happens, replacement aligners are needed. To avoid this, stick with washing with lukewarm water and mild soap. - DON’T use household products or scented soaps.
Household products like harsh soaps, detergents and bleach can cause immediate damage to the aligners. They are also toxic.
Caring for your Invisalign is essential to your oral hygiene and dental health. Bacteria buildup or physical damage caused by improper handling shortens your Invisalign’s lifespan.
What Foods Can I Eat During Invisalign Treatment?
The key to maintaining healthy teeth during Invisalign treatment is to be mindful of what you eat and to choose foods that are easy to chew and swallow and that won’t damage or stain your aligners. Although aligners are removed before eating, some foods can cause your newly-shifted teeth to become more sensitive, which may limit your diet and nutrition. To avoid this, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind!
- Eat soft, healthy foods such as yogurt, cheese, fruit, and vegetables. These foods provide the nutrition you need and do not strain your teeth when eating.
- Choose foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as cooked grains, fish, and chicken.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps prevent tooth decay. Drinking water helps reduce the harmful acids produced by plaque that can weaken tooth enamel.
- Soft bread can still be enjoyed during Invisalign treatment, provided they are not sticky or sugary.
- Avoid sticky foods and treats. Sticky foods can get lodged between teeth and are hard to remove. When left behind, they get trapped between the teeth and aligners, leading to tooth decay.
- Avoid hard treats such as lollipops, popcorn kernels, chips, and pretzels. These treats can be painful on your teeth and even lead to cracked teeth.
- Avoid sugary drinks like soda or sweet tea. Consuming sugary drinks can lead to higher amounts of plaque on teeth and, if not addressed by a dentist, will eventually result in more cavities and issues with teeth alignment.
- Avoid overly chewy foods such as gummy bears or chewy candy bars since these sticks readily into all crevices leading to uncomfortable removal later.
- Avoid acidic foods and beverages such as orange juice and soft drinks since acidity causes tooth enamel erosion. They can also cause discolouration or staining aligners.
- Avoid hot beverages. Since the aligners are made of plastic, hot beverages can cause them to warp and lose their shape. Remember to remove your aligner before drinking anything hot.
When going through Invisalign treatment, you must watch what kind of food you consume to maximise the effectiveness of this procedure. If you consume foods you aren’t supposed to, brush your teeth immediately and rinse your teeth with water.
What Happens if I Fail to Follow These Instructions?
It’s important to understand the dos and don’ts of Invisalign before starting treatment. Failure to follow these instructions could prolong your treatment and cause side effects that can worsen your orthodontic problem. Not following the instructions could cause more damage to your teeth and gums or even lead to less than satisfactory results depending on the severity of the dental condition. Additionally, you could end up with more crooked teeth than you began with.
Listen carefully to your dentist and get all your questions answered before proceeding with Invisalign treatment. Following these simple rules results in successful treatment and attractive smiles.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, following these dos and don’ts when wearing Invisalign can help you achieve a successful treatment. By wearing them consistently for 20-22 hours per day, not eating or drinking while wearing them, and following up with regular visits with your dentist, you should have no problem achieving straighter teeth in no time!
Book a dental consultation with AP Dental today to see if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. We are committed to boosting your confidence with beautiful teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the past, orthodontic treatment with Invisalign was not an option for young children. This aligner system was only recommended to adults and teenagers due to the maturity and diligence needed to commit to wearing and caring for the aligners properly. Nowadays, however, children ages 6-10 can benefit from Invisalign too! Through Invisalign First, dentists can use special techniques to address developing dental alignment and any similar dental problems in younger patients. With this breakthrough technology, parents now have more options for giving their children a better smile!
Invisalign stands out among other aligner systems due to its convenience, comfort, and effectiveness. Unlike other systems, Invisalign uses clear, custom-made aligners to gradually move teeth into a desired position. The removable aligners are created using SmartTrack material, allowing them to apply gentle pressure where needed, transforming smiles without disrupting your daily activities.
Finally, the specific designs used for their aligners allow for shorter treatments and fewer office visits than other brands of aligners. Invisalign provides easy solutions for teens and adults, who can now enjoy straight teeth while living uninterrupted lives.
Not all dentists are qualified to offer invisible aligners. Only certified providers of Invisalign are trained and well-equipped with the knowledge and technology needed to provide this specialised treatment.
Choosing your provider carefully is important, so ask if they’re qualified to offer Invisalign right off the bat.
