One of the reasons that Invisalign is so popular is the clear aligner’s removability. This offers this treatment additional versatility when compared to other methods of orthodontic treatment, allowing you to take your aligners off for cleaning and skirt many of the dietary restrictions associated with orthodontics.
However, this also means that Invisalign treatment can fall seriously off track if you approach it in the wrong way. With that in mind, here’s a quick list of do’s and don’ts regarding Invisalign treatment in order to help you stay on track.
Do: Take Your Aligners Off Before Meals
The removability of Invisalign aligners means that you don’t have to worry about your diet having an impact on the integrity of your Invisalign aligners. However, that’s only the case if you make it a point to take off your trays when you need to. Leaving your aligners on while you eat means the potential for cracked, discolored trays if you aren’t careful.
Don’t: Clean Your Trays with Hot or Cold Water
Your Invisalign aligner is made of durable plastic. While this makes it resistant to damage, plastic can also potentially warp if exposed to extreme temperatures. For that reason you should only clean your Invisalign tray with lukewarm water. Never run your aligners through the washing machine or soak them in ice water.
Do: Clean Your Teeth Before Putting Trays Pack On
Whenever you finish eating, there’s bound to be some food particles left on your teeth afterward. If you simply put your trays back on after that, you’re trapping many of these food particles against your teeth, potentially leading to the development of bacteria on both the teeth and your aligners. It’s therefore a good idea to thoroughly clean both your trays and your teeth before putting your trays back on after a meal.
Don’t: Smoke
If you’re a smoker, you are presented with a difficult choice when it comes to your Invisalign aligners. You could leave your aligners on while you smoke, which is a surefire way to wind up with severely discolored trays, or you could take them off every time you need a cigarette, jeopardizing your ability to wear your aligners for as long as you need. In either case, you can avoid this issue entirely by not smoking for the duration of your whitening treatment.
About Our Practice
At Dental Center of Lakewood, we are proud to offer our patients truly immaculate dental care in order to help them get the smiles they’ve always wanted. However, more than that, you’ll find peace of mind. Our dental team has immense compassion for our patients, and we have designed our office to be a place that keeps people comfortable for the duration of their treatment here.
If you have any questions about Invisalign, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (214) 823-5253.