Are you excited about starting Invisalign? You may be antsy about your results, but it will take some time until you can flaunt your straighter smile. Until then, you’ll need to build an aligner routine to keep your treatment on track. This can be hard to do at first, but there are ways to make this transition easier. Here are several do’s and don’ts to know while you get used to life with your trays.
Do Keep Your Trays in for 22 Hours Daily
Invisalign works by applying pressure on your teeth to shift them into place. This process is gradual, and it works by wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. You need to get this full wear time to avoid delays. That way, your grin moves as planned. A few patients have trouble remembering at first, but setting alarms and reminders can be helpful.
Don’t Eat or Drink Anything While Wearing Your Invisalign
A cardinal rule of Invisalign is not eating or drinking while they are in. Even if it’s soft, it can still be trouble for your oral health. The thin plastic trays can become damaged or trap beverages between them and your teeth. You may be at a higher risk of decay and stains. Instead, you can only have water, so consider keeping a reusable bottle handy.
Do Make Sure You Brush and Floss After Eating
Building off the point above, when you do eat, you should brush and floss afterward. Debris and plaque can be on your teeth, so you will need to clean them off before putting on your aligners. That way, you lower your chances of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems because bacteria won’t transfer. It may be tough going from doing these habits twice a day to much more often, but it’s worth it to keep your treatment on track.
Don’t Clean Your Trays with Hot Water
You will need to clean your Invisalign trays to ensure there’s no buildup on them either. Don’t use hot water while you scrub them. The thin plastic can warp and make them less effective or even dangerous to wear. Stick to using lukewarm or cold water. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, gentle soap, as well.
It will take some time until these do’s and don’ts are in your routine, but make sure you stick to them. That way, you get adjusted to Invisalign as soon as possible and have a smooth journey to your straighter smile.
About the Author
Dr. Mohamed Hegazi earned his dental degree from Tufts University. He has over two decades of experience that he uses to give patients in Hingham the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Hegazi is here to help you correct misalignments and malocclusions with Invisalign. By staying at your side throughout your treatment, you can avoid delays to your results. If you need help adjusting to your trays, schedule an appointment or call his office at 781-678-4633.