If you are looking for a more comfortable, discreet treatment than braces to straighten your smile, you might do well with Invisalign. This service uses a series of transparent plastic trays custom-fitted to your arches to gently shift your teeth into place, without sharp, bulky metal brackets and wires.
But you must care for your aligners correctly to remain on track with your anticipated treatment timeline. With that in mind, continue reading to learn about 3 helpful do’s and don’ts for Invisalign!
#1: DO Wear Your Trays Daily
One of the main reasons that many teens and adults alike choose Invisalign is that, unlike traditional orthodontics, the clear trays are completely removable. You don’t wear them for meals or cleanings, so you can eat your favorite foods and clean your teeth more easily without buying interproximal brushes and other special accessories.
The drawback is that you must wear them 20 to 22 hours a day to keep your teeth from reverting to their starting positions, which can add weeks to your treatment plan. If you struggle to meet this requirement, it might help to use reminders, timers, or apps designed to help you track how long you wear your trays each day.
#2: DON’T Neglect Dental Hygiene
Another perk of clear aligners is that they let your enamel show through so others are less likely to notice your orthodontics, especially from a distance. This can help avoid the feelings of self-consciousness often associated with braces, but you must clean the trays consistently to avoid residue buildup and stains, which can leave them looking dark or dirty.
You can maintain your aligners and prevent dental problems by removing them twice daily and gently scrubbing all surfaces with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear dish soap, which are unlikely to gouge the materials or abrade the surface. Then, rinse them off under room-temperature water, because too much heat can warp the plastic and lead to ill-fitting trays.
#3: DO Attend Routine Follow-Ups
Many patients complete this service within 12 to 18+ months, which is faster than the 24+ months often required for standard braces. But you will still need to attend periodic check-in appointments, usually every 4 to 8 weeks, so your dentist can track your progress and adjust your timeline and trays as needed.
Thankfully, these visits can be as brief as 15 to 30 minutes, minimizing interruptions to your daily schedule and routines.
If you’re considering Invisalign but aren’t sure you’re a good candidate, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment and find out!
About the Practice
At Creekview Family Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from 3 dentists who are passionate about helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Matthew, Dr. Samuel, and Dr. May share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to provide a complete menu of services, including Invisalign, using state-of-the-art technology for improved comfort and accuracy. If you’d like to straighten your smile, you can request a consultation on the website or call (972) 459-1100.