If you want a straighter smile with Invisalign, you’ll need to follow the rules! Your aligners come with a set of guidelines to ensure a successful and comfortable experience. Whether you’re a new Invisalign user or just looking for tips to enhance your experience, read on for a simple guide to a smooth Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign Dos
Here are some dentist-approved ways to keep your Invisalign treatment on-track:
Wear Your Aligners Consistently
Consistency is key to achieving the desired results. Wear your Invisalign aligners as recommended by your dentist – typically 20 to 22 hours a day.
Clean Your Aligners Daily
Maintain good working order by cleaning your Invisalign aligners daily. Use a soft toothbrush and mild, clear soap to prevent discoloration and odors.
Remove Your Aligners Before Eating or Drinking
Take out your aligners before meals or drinking (except water). This will avoid damaging or staining them. The point of Invisalign is discreet treatment. They aren’t invisible when stained!
Brush and Floss Before Putting Your Aligners Back on
Brushing and flossing after meals will help keep your aligners clean and fresh. If you put them back on after eating, plaque and bacteria could get trapped in them causing unpleasant odors.
Attend Your Regular Checkups
Keep up with scheduled appointments with your dentist to monitor your progress. Your dentist can also give you new aligners and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Invisalign Don’ts
These are some habits you should avoid to make the most of your Invisalign treatment:
Neglect Your Oral Hygiene
Not cleaning your teeth and aligners regularly can lead to plaque buildup, affecting both your oral health and the effectiveness of Invisalign.
Skip Aligner Sets
Adhere to the prescribed schedule for changing to the next set of aligners. Skipping this step can hinder progress and prolong treatment time.
Use Harsh Chemicals on Your Aligners
Stick to recommended cleaning methods to avoid damaging your aligners. Harsh chemicals like bleach and alcohol or hot water can deform the plastic.
Forget to Carry Your Case
Always have your Invisalign case on hand. Placing your aligners in their case when not in use prevents loss or damage.
Following these Invisalign do’s and avoiding common pitfalls will contribute to a smoother, more successful orthodontic treatment. If you ever have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for guidance. Stay constant and continue onward. A straighter smile awaits!
About the Practice
At Shinkawa Dental you’ll find a friendly family-owned dental practice full of knowledge and heart. The Shinkawa family is dedicated to the study of dentistry and helping their patients reach all their smile goals. They use the latest dental technology like Invisalign aligners to ensure that your treatment is tailored to your needs. Call (559) 226-5656 to schedule an Invisalign consultation or visit the website to learn more.