Want to know Dr. Stephen, Dr. Brian, and Dr. Dinesh’s top tips for Invisalign clear aligner treatment? Invisalign is an awesome way to put some pizzazz in your smile without anyone else knowing about it. To get the most out of your clear aligner treatment in Brick or Clark, our Bosonac Orthodontics team has some tips for you. Here’s how we recommend that you get the most out of your aligners.
You Need Well-Worn Aligners
It might sound silly. But you have to wear your aligners. Our team suggests keeping them in 20-22 hours a day. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners aren’t anchored to your teeth. You can put them in and take them out. They put a little tension on your teeth. Over time, the tension moves your teeth into better alignment.
But your aligners can only do their job when in your mouth. You should only remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Sticking to the schedule that Dr. Brian, Dr. Stephen, and Dr. Dinesh recommend (22 hours a day).
If you leave your aligners out too long, your teeth might shift back to their old spots (yes, it can happen!). If you miss a day or two, don’t panic! Just pop them back in and get back to your routine. Need help staying on track? Try setting a timer or using a tracking app.
Getting Takeout? Take Your Aligners Out!
Sitting down for a bite to eat? Yum! Save some for us, won’t you? Take your aligners out whenever you’re eating or drinking anything that isn’t water. Invisalign trays are made from clear plastic. Foods and drinks can stain or damage them. Plus, chewing with your aligners in could misshape the trays or cause them to crack.
Dr. Brian, Dr. Stephen, and Dr. Dinesh recommend that you take a small travel case with you so you always have a safe place to store your aligners while you eat. And remember, after meals, brush your teeth. Rinse off your aligners before you put them back in.
Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat
Our Brick and Clark teams will always sound the alarm for proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are super important during your aligner treatment. But you’ll need to do a little extra during your Invisalign treatment.
Make it a habit to brush your aligners every morning and night with a soft toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste—it can be too harsh and cause scratches on the clear plastic. You can use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a gentle, clear soap. Ask Dr. Stephen, Dr. Brian, or Dr. Dinesh at your next appointment for more info.
Just as important is brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal. Do this every time you eat before putting your aligners back in. This blocks food particles from getting stuck and reduces the risk of cavities or bad breath.
Align Your Schedule, Too
When you wear Invisalign, you’ve got a schedule to keep. You’ll get a new set of trays every one to two weeks. We design each one to move your teeth a little bit further than the last set. Sticking to this schedule keeps up your progress, and it’s important not to skip ahead or fall behind. If you forget to switch aligners on time, wear your current set for a few extra days to make up for lost time. Has something come up that’s prevented you from making your next appointment? No worries! Keep us in the loop so we can get you rescheduled.
Safety Is Always The Case
Your aligners can’t work if they’re broken. Seems simple enough, right? Always store them in their case when not in use—never in a napkin or loose in your pocket. It’s easy to accidentally throw them away or damage them if they aren’t properly stored. They’ve also been known to become chew toys for pets.
Our Bosonac Orthodontics team advises carrying your aligner case wherever you go. Having a case handy can save you from misplacing your aligners. Contact our Brick or Clark office immediately if you lose or damage your Invisalign trays. We’ll help you stay on track with your treatment.
Hydration Inspiration
Water for the win! Staying hydrated is key when you’re wearing Invisalign aligners. Drinking lots of water throughout the day helps wash out food particles. Water is also the only drink you should have while wearing your aligners. Say goodbye to sugary or acidic drinks like soda, coffee, and fruit juice. Why? They can get trapped under your Invisalign trays. We know you like sugar (heck, we like it, too). But if you don’t get rid of it, you’ll notice plaque buildup.
Water also keeps your mouth from turning into a desert. Nobody likes a dry mouth. Plus, a parched, arid mouth can lead to halitosis (bad breath). You’ll like that even less than you like a dry mouth! Make water your go-to beverage during aligner treatment.
Chomp On A Chewie
Having trouble getting your aligners to fit properly? Reach for a chewie! They help your Invisalign aligners fit better against your teeth. Chewies are small, spongy cylinders that you bite down on for a few minutes after putting in your aligners. This helps your Invisalign aligners settle into place. Moreover, it increases the effectiveness of your treatment by applying the right amount of pressure to move your teeth.
Dr. Brian, Dr. Stephen, and Dr. Dinesh often recommend chewies to help you get the most out of your Invisalign treatment. By using them daily, you can help your aligners do their job. Just grab a chewie, bite down on it for 5-10 minutes, and you’re good to go! It’s an easy trick that can make a big difference in getting the smile you’ve been waiting for.
Invisalign At Bosonac Orthodontics
Want to know more about Invisalign clear aligners from Dr. Stephen, Dr. Brian, and Dr. Dinesh? Great! Our Bosonac Orthodontics team can’t wait to meet you. Go here to schedule an appointment in our Brick or Clark offices.