For those who do not want traditional orthodontia (think metal, wires, and bands) to fix crooked or gapped teeth, Invisalign clear aligners are an excellent alternative.
Invisalign can give you a great smile while also improving your oral health.
But just as with any medical treatment, there are some things you should know about Invisalign clear aligners before you get them. Here is our list of things to know before you get Invisalign.
1. Your Dental Hygiene Will Be Extra Important
While dental hygiene is always important, the addition of Invisalign will make it even more so.
When you eat or drink, you are supposed to take out your aligners and put them back in once you’re done. But small particles of your meal will be left behind in your mouth.
This means that when you put the aligners back in your mouth, you are trapping little bits of food, which can lead to bad breath, plaque, and cavities.
To avoid this, you should always brush and clean your teeth before you put the aligners back in your mouth. Try bringing floss and a toothbrush with you wherever you go so you’ll always be able to brush after eating.
This might seem excessive, but it will prevent cavities and disease, both of which no one wants!
2. Invisalign Clear Aligners Require Maintenance
Just as your teeth require care and cleaning, so do your aligners. They should be brushed with toothpaste, just like your teeth, and you can even use a denture cleaner as well.
3. They Must Be Worn Consistently for Long Periods
Invisalign aligners are removable, but that doesn’t mean that they should be removed all that often. In fact, you should be leaving them in for 20-22 hours per day.
These are the times you can and should remove your aligners:
- When eating
- When brushing or flossing
- When drinking anything besides water
- When you’re cleaning your aligners
4. Clear Aligners Easily Stain
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that something clear can become easily stained, especially if you aren’t taking your aligners out when eating or drinking. These stains will turn your beautiful, clear aligners into yellowed ones.
Many things can stain your aligners, including soda, juice, alcohol, acidic foods, lipstick, coffee, tea, and more. Just make sure you are aware of what you are putting into your mouth.
If you’re going to have these things anyway, do it when you’re not wearing the aligners and be sure to thoroughly clean your teeth afterward.
5. You’ll Still Need a Retainer
In order to maintain the results you get from your Invisalign aligners, you will need to wear a retainer every night. Without a retainer to literally ‘retain’ your results, your teeth will likely shift back to their original position, effectively reversing everything the Invisaligns did.
Conclusion
Invisalign is a great choice for people of all ages to get straight, beautiful smiles.
It is important to keep all of the things we have discussed in mind as you move forward with an Invisalign treatment plan.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us or leave a comment!