While traditional braces usually take 2-3 years, Invisalign can deliver the same gorgeous results in just 12-18 months. The key to staying on-track with your treatment plan and avoiding significant delays is following the guidelines provided, starting with the recommended wear time. If you need a little refresh, read on for six important Invisalign do’s and don’ts.
1. Don’t Use Hot Water to Clean Your Aligners
To prevent stubborn stains and unpleasant smells from surfacing, you need to rinse your aligners with clean water each time you take them off. Just make sure to check the temperature beforehand! After all, if the water is too hot, it can cause the plastic to warp, rendering your trays virtually useless.
2. Do Wear Your Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day
Although Invisalign treatment plans are customized to each patient’s unique dental needs and smile goals, there are some things that are universal, like the 20 hour-a-day wear time. The reason for this guideline is simple: if you don’t wear your trays, they won’t work!
3. Don’t Skip Your Progress Visits
Every 6-8 weeks, new scans need to be taken to ensure your teeth are moving as anticipated. If they aren’t, then the necessary adjustments can be made to your treatment plan then and there, helping prevent significant delays in the process. So, if you want to stay on-track, make each visit a priority!
4. Do Cut Back on Added Sugar
Remember, orthodontic emergencies aren’t limited to broken attachments and damaged aligners. Tooth decay and other oral health problems will also bring your teeth-straightening journey to a temporary stop, which is why it’s so important to limit your intake of cavity-causing foods, like ice cream.
5. Don’t Drink Coffee While Wearing Your Aligners
To keep your trays in pristine condition, you need to remove them before eating or drinking anything other than water, including iced coffee. If you can, enjoy your morning cup alongside your breakfast. Since your aligners will already be out, this simple switch can help make meeting your daily wear time significantly easier.
6. Do Switch Aligners on the Correct Day
In an effort to breeze through their orthodontic treatment, patients are often tempted to progress through their aligners earlier than outlined. However, this can have the opposite effect. So, it’s of the utmost importance that you stick to the schedule your orthodontist provided.
About the Practice
Whether you’ve always wanted straight teeth or you’ve only recently begun exploring your treatment options, our team at Pinnacle Dental is here to help! We’re proud to offer comprehensive, custom, and compassionate care so our patients can achieve their dream smiles and enjoy their journey to them. If you are ready to get started, take the next step: get in touch with our Braintree dental team via our website or by phone at (781) 412-1412.
