Once you receive your first Invisalign aligners, we will give you instructions on how to care for them. Following these instructions ensures you complete treatment on time and prevent further dental issues. Here we will give a refresher on what to remember when caring for your Invisalign aligners. Invisalign is a part of the cosmetic dentistry services we offer patients in Deerfield, IL. Ultimately, Invisalign treatment can give you a straighter smile and a more balanced bite.
Invisalign Care Tips: Cosmetic Dentistry in Deerfield, IL
Keeping your aligners clean and wearing them for the right amount of time each day will keep you on track with your treatment. Follow these tips when caring for your aligners throughout your Invisalign treatment:
Do Not Eat or Drink With Invisalign Aligners
Eating or drinking with the aligners on your teeth can stain the aligners. Not to mention that bacteria can build on the aligners from leftover foods and drinks. Removing residue from foods and drinks from the aligners can also be difficult. This is why we recommend that patients remove their Invisalign aligners to eat and drink unless they drink water.
Wear the Aligners 20-22 Hours Daily
If you refrain from wearing your aligners for hours or days, you can reverse the work the aligners have done to straighten your smile. Wearing the aligners twenty to twenty-two hours a day, even during sleep, leads to consistent results and keeps you on track for completing treatment on time.
Clean Your Smile and Your Aligners
After removing your aligners and eating or drinking, you should brush and floss your teeth and clean your aligners. If you clean your teeth and gums before placing the aligners back on your teeth, you can prevent food buildup and staining. Gently cleaning your aligners with cool to lukewarm water and soap can remove bacteria from the aligners. Avoid using hot water, as this can warp your plastic aligners. You can also clean your aligners with Invisalign crystals or mouthguard soaks. Soaking the aligners in the dissolvable Invisalign crystals or mouthguard cleaner can keep your smile fresh.
Keep Your Aligners in Their Case
When your aligners are not in your mouth, you can keep them in their plastic case. Keeping the aligners in the case will prevent you from dropping or misplacing them. Breaking or misplacing your aligners can increase treatment time, as we will have to make new aligners for you to wear.
Do you have questions about Invisalign or how to keep your aligners fresh and clean? Call AH Smiles for Invisalign treatment today at (847) 230-9703. You may also request a dental consultation with us online. We’re here to help you stay on track with your treatment and ensure that you get the best results possible.