If your dental care practitioner at Silver Lake Dentistry has recommended orthodontic treatment to correct flaws in your smile or bite, you’ve likely considered Invisalign® clear aligners. They’re discreet, removable, and much simpler to use than traditional metal braces.
Our skilled and talented dental care team in Raymore, Missouri, has helped numerous teenagers and adults get the smile they desire with Invisalign.
Although the popular clear aligners are easy to use, you should observe some important rules and precautions. Here’s how to get the best results from your Invisalign treatment.
Take your aligners out before each meal. Foods and drinks can stain your aligners, making them appear yellowed or dingy before it’s time to replace them with another set.
A good rule of thumb is to remove them no matter what you’re eating or drinking; water may be safe, but nothing else. If you have doubts, remove them.
A potential downside of Invisalign aligners is they can be hard to locate when you’re not wearing them. They’re clear, of course, so simply placing them beside your plate or next to the sink is a sure way to lose them. Whenever you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in their case.
Your Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — but only if you keep them clean. The clear, BPA-free plastic can still become stained if food and debris are allowed to build up on or inside them. Food particles trap bacteria in your aligners, which can lead to other dental problems.
Clean your aligners every day with antibacterial soap and warm water. Rinse them thoroughly after eating and before placing them back in your mouth.
Keeping your teeth clean is just as important as keeping your aligners clean. Good oral hygiene might be even more important while you’re wearing Invisalign aligners.
Invisalign aligners fully encase your teeth, trapping food and bacteria against them and your gums. Saliva cannot wash off debris or bacteria, so regular brushing and flossing after every meal are essential.
Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into proper position, but that process can’t work if you’re not wearing your aligners. You need to wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat and to clean the aligners and your teeth.
If you’re ready to explore how Invisalign can help you get the smile you want, talk to our experienced providers at Silver Lake Dentistry. Call us to schedule an Invisalign consultation and begin your journey to a straighter smile today.
