Tips to Breeze Through Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign has quickly become one of the most sought-after treatment options in orthodontics. It offers a comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional braces, depending on the type of case you’re dealing with. 

Even with such an easy experience, there are still some important things to keep in mind before proceeding with Invisalign treatment. Here’s a look at everything you need to know.

Proper Care and Cleaning

Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean will prevent a negative impact on your oral hygiene and protect the aligners themselves from damage. Don’t forget to rinse your aligners with water both after taking them out and before putting them back in. You should do this even if you only remove them for a brief moment.

Make sure to avoid hot water when rinsing or cleaning your Invisalign aligners. Excessive heat will warp the material. Invisalign aligners rely on their specific shape to properly guide your teeth into new positions, so any warping will disrupt your treatment.

Clean your aligners daily to prevent bacteria accumulation. You can keep yourself from forgetting by doing this at the same time you brush and floss. Remove your aligners and gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

You should always prioritize oral hygiene, but doing so becomes even more important during Invisalign treatment. This is because the clear aligners may trap bacteria and bits of food. Luckily, you won’t have to make many changes to your routine.

You should brush and floss after every meal before inserting your aligners. Getting bits of food stuck behind them is a serious concern because it provides ongoing energy for bacteria to grow. Make sure to brush and floss thoroughly to avoid leaving any bits behind.

Some patients are concerned about bad breath during Invisalign treatment. Mouthwash provides a fast and easy solution to this problem that also protects your oral health. However, keep in mind that mouthwash isn’t a replacement for brushing and flossing.

Manage Discomfort

Invisalign treatment is typically considered more comfortable than traditional braces. However, patients can experience some discomfort at times, especially when first adjusting.

While the clear plastic aligners don’t have any sharp or hazardous surfaces like braces, the edges may still cause irritation. Orthodontic wax is widely available and used for a variety of appliances. Apply the wax to the edges of the aligners to prevent any discomfort.

Potential discomfort is most significant when switching to the next set of aligners. To make this process as easy as possible, switch to new aligners before bed to sleep right through the adjustment period.

Keep Track of Aligners

Getting results from your treatment requires going through all the aligners provided. Losing your aligners will seriously disrupt your treatment and potentially require an entirely new series of aligners to be made.

You should have a dedicated case for storing your aligners when you remove them to eat or brush your teeth. Don’t forget to rinse them off beforehand as well to keep bacteria from building up in the case.

Don’t wrap your aligners in tissues or napkins. Not only does this fail to provide any protection from physical damage, but it also makes it more likely they will get lost or accidentally thrown away. If you wrap your aligners in this way, you also risk leaving bits of tissue on them.

Stay Consistent With Wear Time

Being able to remove clear aligners for eating and oral hygiene is an incredible convenience. However, it also introduces the risk of non-compliance with your treatment plan. Invisalign aligners only work effectively if you wear them 20 to 22 hours each day.

It can be very tempting to leave them off for longer than you’re supposed to, especially in certain social situations. However, doing so may impact your treatment. You could find yourself with a longer-than-expected treatment timeline or even requiring re-treatment to ensure proper results.

Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth is one potential issue that patients sometimes experience with Invisalign. You may have reduced salivation, which leaves you with a dry feeling in your mouth. This isn’t just unpleasant; it also increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

One of the simplest ways of preventing dry mouth is staying hydrated. Drink water regularly throughout the day. You can drink pure water without removing your clear aligners. However, any other beverage, such as soda, juice, or even sugar-free sparkling water, requires removing your aligners to stop buildup behind them.

Find Out More About Invisalign in Austin

Invisalign provides an excellent patient experience. That’s particularly true if you put these simple tips into action. If you’re facing any type of orthodontic issue, Invisalign is well worth considering. Parmer Lane Family Dentistry will develop a personalized treatment plan to suit your unique style. Reach out today to see if Invisalign is right for you.