Invisalign is a popular teeth-straightening treatment that uses clear, removable aligners. They are very popular in our office, and we love recommending Invisalign for our teen and adult patients to help them achieve their dream smiles.
If you're considering Invisalign, following your orthodontist's instructions closely is important for the best results. While the aligners are convenient and discreet, they require your careful attention.
Here's why: Your doctor provides specific instructions for your treatment plan, which you should follow closely to ensure the best possible outcome.
Disregarding their advice can lead to complications and lengthen your treatment time.
You've likely heard before that patients must wear their aligners full-time or at least 22 hours daily. This includes while you sleep and when you're at school or work.
But did you know that there are some other smaller things we recommend you do NOT do with Invisalign aligners? While these may seem minor, they can greatly impact your treatment.
So here are 4 things you should not do with your Invisalign aligners:
1. Don't wrap your Invisalign aligners in a Kleenex (or napkin)!!!
So many people forget their Invisalign aligners are in their napkins.
The problem is, when you do this, you may forget them on the table or someone else may take your aligners, thinking it's trash, and throw them away.
Put them in their case. Keep a back up if you have to!
This is actually a really big and common problem. We see it all the time.
2. Don't put your aligners in your pocket!!!
Along the same lines, don't leave aligners in your pocket. Doing so can cause them to break or get damaged; they could even fall out of your pocket and be lost.
We have found lost aligners in parking lots many times.
3. Don't eat candy or any foods when you're aligners are in!
While we want you to wear your aligners as much as possible, you should not eat food or candy while wearing them. Take out your Invisalign to enjoy a snack or a meal.
Eating food with aligners can bend or break the plastic in the aligners, making them not fit as they should. Which means a longer time overall.
4. Don't drink coffee or sugary drinks with your aligners in!
While Invisalign aligners are designed to fit snuggly around your teeth, sugary drinks can get trapped underneath the aligners and can cause tooth decay.
And who wants a mouth full of cavities?
Water is the best option for drinking when you have your aligners in. But if you must drink something else, we recommend you use a straw. And then rinse your mouth out with water after you drink.
These are just a few simple things we hope you will avoid while you're wearing your Invisalign aligners.
If you happen to have any concerns or questions regarding your Invisalign treatment, please feel free to reach out to our office. We're always here to help and provide any assistance you may need.
We take pride in aiding you throughout your treatment!