Are you looking to straighten you smile? You have several different teeth straightening options to choose from to give you the results that you’re looking for. In the past, you would have had to settle for who knows how long with a mouthful of metal brackets and wires. Now, Invisalign is available. This treatment uses a series of clear aligners in order to slowly shift your teeth to their new locations. While Invisalign is a great option, it requires proper care. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts you should know.
What Needs to Be Avoided During Your Invisalign Treatment?
You don’t want to throw off your Invisalign treatment. You should avoid doing the following things:
- Not Cleaning Your Aligners Properly: If you clean your aligners with water that is too hot, you could end up distorting their shape. Don’t use any harsh substances, like bleach or hydrogen peroxide. They can also cause damage by degrading the plastic.
- Eat or Drink While Wearing Your Aligners: The only thing that you should be consuming while wearing your aligners is water. If you are eating or drinking anything else, you should take your aligners out beforehand so that you don’t accidentally damage or discolor them. Hot drinks can distort your aligners and sugar can become trapped, therefore increasing your risk of cavities. Your aligners weren’t made to withstand the pressure of chewing.
- Leaving Your Aligners Out of Their Case: You should always store your aligners in their case while you aren’t wearing them. This way, you are much less likely to lose them or accidentally throw them away.
How Do You Care for Invisalign Aligners Properly?
Use the follow tips in order to keep your aligners in the best shape possible:
- Clean Them Often: You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear hand soap to brush your aligners every day. This way, you can remove any plaque buildup and bacteria. If you aren’t cleaning them as often as you should, you could experience bad breath and tooth decay.
- Soak Your Aligners: To keep your aligners in the best shape possible, you should soak them each day with Invisalign cleaning crystals or a non-abrasive denture cleaner. After soaking them for 15 to 30 minutes, use a toothbrush to remove any residue.
- Brush and Floss: After each time you eat, you should brush and floss your teeth. At the very least, you should rinse your mouth out with some water. If you don’t, food particles can become trapped against your teeth and cause discoloration and tooth decay.
Invisalign is a great teeth straightening option, but you need to be committed to caring for them. By following the tips listed above, you will be showing off your aligned smile with pride in no time!
About the Author
Dr. J. Travis Kobza is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over 15 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is currently a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Nebraska Dental Association, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. In 2015, Dr. Kobza received the “Outstanding Young Professional” award from the NDA for his efforts to help change laws within the Affordable Care Act that are specific to dentistry and Medicaid. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at his office in Falls City, visit his website or call (402) 245-2243.