While removable braces are more discreet and comfortable than metal braces, the design of these aligners does present some new considerations for orthodontic patients. During treatment with clear aligners, it’s critical to make sure that you’re properly caring for your smile and that you are wearing them for the full recommended 22 hours per day.
For proper care and compliance, our practice presents the following tips:
Keep your Teeth and Trays Clean
Because Invisalign® covers all sides of teeth, and can potentially trap bacteria and debris, it’s important to make sure your smile is clean. Brush and floss your teeth after each meal and at your usual times in the morning and evening. This will ensure that your teeth are not at risk for decay and that both your aligners and your smile are fresh and clean all day.
Store Aligners in a Safe Place
Invisalign® should be removed when drinking anything other than water and during meals. When not wearing your trays, be sure to keep them in their carrying case to avoid accidentally throwing them away on a napkin, or improperly storing them where they can become bent or otherwise damaged. Storing your aligners in a protected place that is visible helps keep them safe and reminds you to put them back in when you’re done with your meal or your hygiene routine.
Only Take the Amount of Aligners You Feel Comfortable With
If you’ve struggled with wearing your clear orthodontic trays for 22 hours per day, make sure to express this to your Invisalign® provider so that trays can be given at the correct pace. Patients who are lax with wear and use, and who are given multiple aligners to switch out on their own, may not see the results they want with clear braces. These patients can benefit from check-up visits with our practice for the purpose of monitoring progress and administering new aligners if warranted. If you’re not quite ready for the next step, another week or so of use can be recommended. For some patients, this is the motivation they need to wear their aligners as often as recommended.
Do Not Play with the Aligners When Wearing Them
While your orthodontic trays are durable, they can break and warp in the right circumstances. Patients who habitually use their tongues to fiddle with the aligners, or even those who chew and bite their orthodontic trays, are far more likely to break and damage their appliances. While Invisalign® may issue replacements at no additional cost, this bad habit stands in the way of achieving the results you want in the time frames you’re looking for.
Need more information about Invisalign®? If you’re interested in transforming your smile with clear braces, contact our Invisalign® dentist to learn more about how to get started and achieve best results. Schedule your consultation today!