Invisalign treatment, which uses a series of custom-made plastic aligners to straighten teeth, is easier than braces. Instead of frequent visits to our office, complete with “adjustments” of wires to tweak the fit, you just wear each set of aligners (also called trays) for two weeks before moving to the next one in the series. Sounds simple, right? It is! Still, there are a few things you can do to make sure your treatment goes well.
Check out Dr. Hoss’ five tips for successful Invisalign treatment:
- Don’t take aligners out too often
- Always carry a storage case
- Use the right cleaning technique
- Watch what you drink and eat
- Don’t be too quick to discard aligners
If you’re still considering your orthodontic options, call Neil Hoss, MD at 860-926-3781 today schedule a consultation with him. Since not every smile will benefit from Invisalign, we offer treatment with braces too. Dr. Hoss, a member of the International Association of Orthodontics, will help you determine which option best suits your smile.
Keep Time on Your Side for Successful Invisalign Treatment
You’ll need to wear aligners at least 22 hours a day. Our advice is to take them out only for eating and oral hygiene. This is especially true in the days after first moving to a new set of aligners. Like almost every thing else, there is an app for that! You can use the free TrayMinder app to track your daily wear time and set reminders to notify you of when you need to change your trays.
Your Storage Case Is Your Friend
The ability to remove trays makes it so easy to eat and keep your teeth clean during Invisalign treatment. Unfortunately, this also makes it pretty easy to set then aside and lose them. Keep a storage case with you so you can use it every time you take out your trays. We recommend keeping a case in multiple places: at home, at work, at school, in your car.
Skip Toothpaste When Cleaning Invisalign Aligners
Toothpaste can scratch your plastic aligners and leave them looking dingy. Substitute a mild, anti-bacterial soap or paste, brushing trays with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This routine is especially important in the morning, because bacteria can build up on your trays overnight.
Once a week soak your aligners in a vinegar and water solution. Use one part vinegar to three parts water. This helps remove bacteria and plaque buildup that can make your aligners look cloudy.
Avoid Staining Substances During Invisalign Treatment
Just as coffee can stain your teeth, it can stain aligners. Don’t drink coffee, wine, cola, or other staining beverages while wearing your aligners. Water is the only liquid you should consume with your trays in. Hot beverages are especially damaging, as they can warp your aligners.
Try to brush your teeth after eating staining substances such as berries, tomato sauce, or food seasoned with curry. If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water before reinserting aligners.
Don’t Trash Used Aligners
When you move to a new set of trays, you should keep the previous ones handy. That way, if you lose or break aligners you can wear them while waiting for replacement trays.
Call Neil Hoss, DMD today at 860-926-3781 to schedule a consultation in in Tolland, CT and see if Invisalign treatment is right for you!