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For many Invisalign is a fantastic alternative to traditional braces. Wearing Invisalign aligners provides an easy method of aligning and straightening teeth which is much less noticeable than the usual brackets and wires of braces that are fitted to the tooth. Instead, Invisalign aligners are made from clear moulded plastic which has been specially designed to gently move your teeth into their new position. As well as being clear, they offer the additional benefit of being removable. You can therefore keep your clear aligners clean by removing them and cleaning them. For those of you interested in the process of Invisalign or are currently using Invisalign, Portobello Dental have highlighted some important Do’s and Don’ts for wearing Invisalign clear aligners.
The Do’s of Invisalign
Do clean your Invisalign throughout the day
When wearing your aligners throughout the day it is important you keep them as clean as possible. Plaque and bacteria will easily build up as a result of wearing aligners for long periods of time, taking them out and cleaning them every morning and night will help to prevent this build-up and avoid damage to your teeth.
Do wear your Invisalign for up to 22 hours per day
When starting a course of Invisalign most dentists and orthodontists recommend following the guidelines regarding wearing your Invisalign for at least 22 hours a day. This is to ensure you follow the course correctly and see results. Invisalign will only work if you continue to wear the aligners, taking them out to eat and drink, and taking care of your oral health.
Do brush your teeth before wearing your aligners again after eating
As you will remove your clear aligners to eat and drink your main meals throughout the day, it is very important those teeth are cleaned before putting your aligners back into your mouth. When eating, food particles can build up between the teeth. Leaving these to sit under your aligners will only lead to bigger problems. Cleaning your teeth by brushing will remove the food debris and keep your teeth healthy and shining white.
Do be mindful of your snacks throughout the day
As you will be wearing your aligners for a long period of time throughout the day, snacking should be avoided, or at best kept to a minimum. It is recommended to consider whether you really need the snack and if it is worth taking your aligners out to eat it. Remember, the more frequently you wear the aligners, the greater your results will be.
The Don’ts of Invisalign
Don’t drink too many fizzy drinks and coffee
Fizzy drinks and coffee in large consumption are best avoided for your teeth as a general rule. Coffee and fizzy drinks will stain your aligners. It is best to choose water over any other drink whilst wearing them. If you wish to consume some of your other favourite beverages, time these in with your main meals and clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
Don’t wear your aligners while eating
The clear aligners have not been designed to withstand the pressures of chewing food. Eating whilst wearing your aligners could damage, break, and stain them. The best way to eat whilst using Invisalign is to plan your 3 meals per day, remove your aligners to consume these, and clean your teeth after every meal before wearing your aligners again. Your teeth are strong and can chew through foods, your aligners can not.
Don’t smoke!
Avoiding this bad habit will help keep your Invisalign clear aligners clear. It goes without saying, smoking is notorious for its ability to discolour teeth. Wearing your aligners to smoke will result in the quick discolouration of your clear aligners, taking away one of the key benefits of Invisalign.
Don’t clean your aligners with harsh chemicals
To avoid damaging your aligners do not clean them with harsh chemicals or heavily scented soaps. Toothpaste can also be abrasive, so this should be avoided too, as it could scratch the aligners. Invisalign aligners can be easily cleaned with water and a gentle toothbrush.
Following these do’s and don’ts will ensure you see the best results from your course of Invisalign. Always consult your orthodontist or dentist who can provide you with the information you need regarding wearing clear aligners and the process of Invisalign.
