Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that does not use metal wires and brackets. Instead, it uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. Invisalign is a great option for patients of all ages and lifestyles. Listed below are some helpful tips for new Invisalign patients.

Wear Your Aligners as Prescribed

While your aligners are removable, it is important that you wear them for the appropriate amount of time each day. Failing to wear the aligners for the required number of hours may cause your teeth to shift out of alignment – so it is very important that you commit to the treatment and follow the guidelines! The length of time an aligner should be worn will depend on the specific treatment plan your dentist creates for you. During the initial treatment phase, patients are usually told to wear their aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day. As the patient progresses through the treatment process, they may only need to wear them for a minimum of 18 hours per day. This assumes that the patient is progressing at a good rate and is successfully moving their teeth into their desired position.

Clean Your Teeth and Aligners Properly

When you’re wearing your Invisalign aligners, it’s important that you maintain good oral hygiene by cleaning your teeth properly each day. That means brushing and flossing every day like you would without them! You should also make sure you clean your aligners regularly. Here’s how:

• Gently brush and rinse your aligners each time you remove them from your mouth. Avoid using toothpaste or soap to clean your aligners since these products can scratch the plastic. Instead, use a toothbrush and water to wash off any debris and food particles that have built up on the tray.
• Soak them in a cleansing solution. This will help kill bacteria and make the trays smell better. It can also loosen food particles that may be stuck between the teeth and the aligner itself. We recommend soaking the aligners for at least 30 minutes in mouthwash before rinsing them off with water. 
• Keep your aligners dry. Put your aligners back in their case when you’re not wearing them. This will keep dust and debris from getting into your aligners and prevent accidental spills of liquid from damaging them. You should also avoid leaving them near heaters or other hot appliances because heat can damage the plastic.

Foods to Avoid

You should avoid eating any hard foods, like popcorn kernels or hard candies. These can damage your aligner trays and break them. You should also stay away from foods that are extremely sticky, such as taffy or gum. Sticky foods can stick to your teeth and can cause tooth decay.

Do Not Smoke

Avoid smoking while wearing aligners. Smoking can cause staining to your aligners and will discolor your smile. If you do smoke, do your best to quit before you start treatment, or at least don’t start until after you’ve completed treatment and have your beautiful new smile to show off.

If you would like to learn more about Invisalign and how they can straighten your smile, speak to our dentist today to schedule a consultation. Visit Caspian Dental Center at 410 Park Grove Dr., Katy, TX 77450, or call us at 832-321-4901 now.