With no dietary restrictions or special oral hygiene products, Invisalign is a relatively hassle-free orthodontic treatment! Of course, there are some guidelines you need to follow to stay on-track with your treatment plan. With this in mind, keep reading for a refresher on the do’s and don’ts of Invisalign.
DO Wear Your Aligners for 22 Hours a Day
Although there are numerous pros to having removable aligners, like easy oral hygiene, that does mean you need to be intentional about wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day. If you don’t, then your teeth won’t track properly, negatively impacting your treatment plan.
Tip: If you’re having trouble keeping track of your wear time, use the Invisalign app!
DON’T Drink Coffee with Your Aligners In
Remember, you can’t eat or drink anything other than water with your aligners in. When it comes to coffee, the hot temperature can warp your trays. Even if you prefer iced coffee, it can quickly turn your clear aligners yellow.
Tip: Drink coffee with your breakfast and lunch instead of separately!
DO Switch Your Trays on the Right Days
It’s important to wear your trays for 22 hours a day and switch to each new set on the right days. If you move on too soon, then your teeth may feel loose. If you move on too late, then you could add weeks or months onto the backend of your treatment.
Tip: Set a reminder on your phone so you can easily keep track!
DON’T Skip Your Check-In Visits
At each check-in visit, your dentist scans your teeth to ensure they are tracking properly. If they aren’t, then they can give you specific recommendations on how to change that and, if necessary, tweak your treatment plan.
Tip: Schedule your appointments on your lunch break – they are quite quick!
DO Clean Your Trays Morning and Night
Although your aligners will be clear when you take them out of their packaging, they will turn yellow if you don’t take care of them properly. That’s why it’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean water to scrub each surface twice a day (or after each meal, if possible).
Tip: Keep a travel-sized toothbrush with you so you can clean your aligners on-the-go!
DON’T Use Hot Water to Rinse Your Aligners
It’s important to always double-check the temperature of the water when cleaning your aligners – whether you’re just rinsing them off or you’re brushing them after a meal. If the water is too hot, then the plastic can warp, rendering them virtually useless.
Tip: Use cool or lukewarm water when cleaning your aligners!
About the Doctor
After earning her dental doctorate at the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Dalia Georgy pursued continuing education on everything from Invisalign to Myobrace treatment. In fact, she has more than 200 continuing education credits under her belt! If you have a question for her about clear aligners – whether it’s if you’re a good candidate or how to stay on-track with your treatment plan – don’t hesitate to visit her website or call (918) 201-1414 to schedule an appointment.