Transparent orthodontic appliances called Invisalign aligners are used to straighten teeth and fix irregular bites. Invisalign aligners are much more comfortable to wear than traditional metal braces. This is due to the fact that they are composed of flexible plastic material rather than wires and brackets made of metal. Since Invisalign aligners are custom-made for each patient, they fit exactly against the teeth.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
For Invisalign aligners to work, they need to be properly taken care of. Knowing the proper care measures is important but being aware of the things you should not do while receiving Invisalign treatment is just as important. Below are the 11 don’ts of wearing Invisalign.
1. Don’t Forget to Remove Your Invisalign Aligners When Eating
Every time you eat, whether it’s a small snack or a substantial meal, you must take off your Invisalign aligners. This is due to the pressure that chewing and biting put on aligners. You run the risk of breaking them and delaying your treatment if you don’t take your clear aligners out before eating. Moreover, it is still advised to stay away from foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky. The following foods are examples of hard or sticky foods: raw carrots, licorice, caramels, jelly beans, popcorn, sour candies, and almonds.
2. Don’t Forget to Rinse Your Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign aligners can be cleaned easily by soaking them in a denture cleanser or Invisalign cleaning crystals every day. A soft-bristled toothbrush and clear liquid soap can also be used to clean Invisalign aligner trays. Additionally, you can use white vinegar because it deodorizes and cleans your clear aligners by eradicating plaque and bacteria.
3. Don’t Use Toothpaste When Cleaning Your Invisalign Trays
Most toothpastes are designed to clean your teeth of bacteria, food particles, plaque, and tartar. Thus, they are made of abrasive ingredients. These harsh ingredients may harm your aligners and result in discoloration or permanent damage.
4. Don’t Let Your Invisalign Clear Aligners Get Dirty
It’s essential to soak your aligner trays in Invisalign cleaning crystals each day to keep them clean. Furthermore, you must remove your Invisalign clear aligners before drinking anything besides water. Tea, red wine, and other highly pigmented liquids create stains on your clear aligners. Be sure to rinse your mouth out with water before putting on your clear aligners.
5. Don’t Use Colored or Scented Soaps to Clean Your Invisalign
Be careful not to use anything with strong colors or scents to clean your Invisalign aligners. This is because scented or colored soaps will inevitably leave some residue on your Invisalign trays leading to discoloration. The potential bad taste it can give your aligners is another drawback. You must therefore make an effort and take into account what tools and ingredients are best for Invisalign cleaning.
6. Don’t Damage Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
By taking proper care of your Invisalign aligners, you can avoid damaging them. Your clear aligners could break or get scratched if you remove your clear aligners too quickly so you must treat them carefully. In addition, you should avoid using your tongue to inspect the aligner’s edges because doing so could result in scratches.
7. Don’t Leave Your Invisalign Aligners Out
Some patients prefer keeping their aligners in their pockets or wrapped in a napkin because it is more practical. When not in use, it is crucial to store your clear aligners in their proper case. When kept in their case, your aligner trays are more safeguarded and are less prone to sustain damage. If you often lose or break your aligners, you will need to buy replacements, which could delay your treatment.
8. Don’t Expose Your Invisalign Trays to Heat
Your aligners may distort if you drink hot liquids while wearing them, rinse them in hot water, or leave them in a hot car. This will impact the fit and have an effect on your results. Therefore, you must avoid exposing your Invisalign aligners to any type of severe heat. You can rinse your aligners with lukewarm water to clean them.
9. Don’t Forget to Wear Your Invisalign as Instructed
Wear your aligners for about 22 hours per day for the best results. If you don’t wear your Invisalign aligners for no more than two hours each day, your treatment will be delayed. Invisalign treatment normally lasts 6 to 12 months; however, if you forget to wear your clear aligners, your treatment duration may increase.
10. Don’t Rush Your Invisalign Treatment
By applying pressure to the teeth, Invisalign aligners straighten them, close teeth gaps, and fix malocclusion. This process often takes 6 to 12 months, sometimes even longer. The teeth will move gradually and gently as a result. Rushing your Invisalign treatment runs the risk of triggering dental resorption, which gradually weakens the teeth and increases the likelihood that they may fall out. Therefore, it’s important to exercise patience and adhere to the Invisalign treatment plan.
11. Don’t Forget to Wear Your Invisalign Retainer
After completing your Invisalign treatment, you must wear a retainer to maintain your improved dental alignment. Following orthodontic treatment, retainers are special orthodontic devices that hold teeth in place. They often consist of wires or translucent plastic. If you don’t wear your retainers after receiving Invisalign, your teeth will shift back to their original positions.
To get the best results, taking proper care of your Invisalign aligners is very crucial. Now that you have learned about the things you should not do during Invisalign treatment, you can check the 12 Things You Can Do With Invisalign.
