5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Invisalign Treatment

Invisible braces are considered by many grown-ups as the perfect solution for their need to have straighter and healthier teeth, and a beautiful smile.

The Invisalign orthodontic treatment allows adults and older teenagers to correct minor orthodontic issues without the hassle of wearing traditional metal braces. Since they are removable, patients can take them off when eating, speaking in public, brushing and flossing their teeth.

In addition, Invisalign aligners are clear, invisible to the eye, so you can wear them day and night without anyone noticing them easily, even up close.

How to Maximize Your Invisalign Treatment

Aside from the benefits mentioned above, Invisalign aligners can provide fast results as well since patients can see results in as early as 12 months.

If you are currently wearing invisible braces or you will soon be fitted with your own aligners, follow these tips to ensure nothing goes wrong with the treatment, and even get more benefits from it:

1. Wear your aligners at least 22 hours every day

Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you may be tempted to take them off even if you don’t have to. You may also forget to put them back on when you remove them.

But for your aligners to work optimally, you need to wear them at least 22 hours each day. If you fail to do so, you are less likely to get fast, positive results from this dental treatment.

To keep track of the time you have your aligner trays out, set the stopwatch or timer on your phone or watch. Make sure you only have them out of your mouth 15 to 20 minutes during mealtimes, and when eating a snack or enjoying a glass of soda.

Remember that when you’re not eating and drinking teeth-staining beverages, keep the aligners in your mouth.

2. Follow your treatment schedule

Your dentist or orthodontist will give you specific instructions on how many days you have to wear each set of aligners. This usually ranges from 7 to 14 days, depending on your treatment plan.

Once you have worn a set of trays for the prescribed number of days, proceed to wear your next set of aligners. By doing so, you ensure your treatment is progressing forward since you are allowing your teeth to gradually move in the proper sequence and position as stated in the treatment plan.

3. Clean your teeth before putting on your aligners

Since your invisible braces fit tightly around your teeth, any food debris left on your teeth will be kept there by your aligners. And because your saliva won’t be able to do its usual job of washing away these bits of food and bacteria, they can turn into cavities and plaque which can lead to a myriad of dental issues.

To reduce your risk for plaque and cavities, and ensure your teeth and mouth remain healthy all the time, brush and floss your teeth after eating before wearing your aligners again. Do the same after drinking beverages other than water.

By brushing and flossing after eating and drinking, you will prevent colorful foods and beverages from staining your teeth and aligners as well.

4. Modify your eating habits

Although you can eat even when you are on an Invisalign treatment program since you can easily remove your aligners, this treatment can still affect your diet in a number of ways.

For one, since you only have two hours of leeway throughout the day for eating and cleaning your teeth, you may want to avoid snacking often. After all, you have to brush and floss your teeth after eating, no matter how small the cookie you bit into may be.

If you don’t want to spend the majority of your day keeping your teeth clean, minimize snacking.

5. Keep your aligners clean, and don’t lose them

Whenever you brush your teeth, brush your aligners as well. However, avoid using toothpaste since it can scratch the aligners.

To keep your aligners clean safely, brush them gently using a moistened toothbrush that does not have any toothpaste. Next, rinse the aligners with lukewarm water.

You can also soak your aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture or retainer cleaner once or twice a week to sanitize and clean them thoroughly.

Additionally, to get the most out of your investment in your Invisalign orthodontic treatment, put the aligners in their cases whenever you remove them. Don’t place them in a tissue or paper towel since there is a high chance you may accidentally throw them away.

And to get more out of your Invisalign treatment, remember to practice good hygiene all the time. Make sure you brush your teeth in the morning and at night, and floss once a day. See your dentist or orthodontist as scheduled as well. And when you want to correct other teeth imperfections, consult the best cosmetic dentist in your area.