It’s a relief to hear that you can straighten your teeth or fix a poor bite without settling for traditional orthodontic devices. You’re ready to wear your aligners everyday and get your Invisalign treatment on track! But first, you’ll want to consider these key tips from a dentist.
While wearing aligners is much easier than dealing with braces, there are certain habits you’ll want to keep to prevent hiccups in your treatment. Here are the most common do’s and don’ts every person using Invisalign in Inwood Village should follow.
Do: Clean Your Aligners Daily
Food debris, plaque, and bacteria stick to aligners as you wear them throughout the day. To keep them clean and prevent decay and gum disease, rinse them every time you brush. Then, place them in water along with either a denture cleanser or Invisalign’s own blend of cleaning crystals. Both work to remove bacteria, leaving your aligners smelling fresh!
Don’t: Use Abrasives That Can Damage Them
After you finish brushing and flossing, make sure to only use a toothbrush and water to gently scrub your aligners of loose food debris and plaque. Don’t brush too hard as this can scratch them, making them less transparent. Furthermore, avoid using scented or colored soaps which can easily stain aligners and leave a poor aftertaste.
Do: Remove Them During Meals
Aligners are durable, but they aren’t durable enough to withstand your regular biting force. Any time you’re eating food or drinking beverages other than water, remove them to keep them safe. The last thing you want to do is crack them and cause a hiccup in your treatment. As long as you wear them for 20 to 22 hours per day, you can afford to remove them.
Don’t: Chew Gum While in Use
Gum can easily stick to aligners, so chewing gum is out of the question when they’re in use. Gum that’s good for stimulating saliva flow shouldn’t be chewed more than 20 minutes at a time anyway, so there’s no reason to chew it while wearing aligners.
Do: Keep Them In Their Protective Case
It’s easy to forget your aligners or accidentally throw them away with trash after a meal. Any time the aligners aren’t in your mouth or being soaked, make sure they are inside your case and within sight. Don’t leave them exposed to open air either. Drying them out creates a breeding ground for bacteria, causing a foul odor to emit from them.
Don’t: Leave Them in Your Checked Luggage
In the event that your luggage gets left behind, you won’t be able to wear your aligners for an indeterminable amount of time. Instead, keep them in your purse, pocket, or carry-on luggage. After all, you don’t want to prolong your treatment.
With these tips from a cosmetic dentist in Inwood Village in mind, completing your Invisalign treatment will be simple, smooth, and easy. Schedule an appointment today to learn more tips!
About the Author
Dr. Davina Prida earned her degree at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, where she graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). She is a member of the Dallas County Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Prida is also a member of the Texas Army National Guard. One of her main focuses is creating beautiful Smiles. She ia a Top Dallas Dentist Providing High Quality Dental Care, General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, and Reconstructive Dentistry. Dr Davina Prida is fulfilling her vision of bringing the very best in cosmetic dentistry, reconstructive dentistry and general dentistry to Dallas at Inwood Village Dental. Dr. Prida’s approach of dental excellence and her use of advanced techniques, create the most natural, beautiful smiles possible. Dr. Prida is Dallas’ top cosmetic dentist, creating amazing smile makeovers with veneers, dental implants, dental crowns and bridges and Invisalign®. If you have questions about your dental treatment or dental care options, don’t hesitate to contact her at Inwood Village Dental or at (214) 352-2777.