20th August 2021
Invisalign Aftercare: Dos & Don’ts
So you’ve joined millions around the world in using Invisalign to create that beautiful, straight smile. What’s next? Well, we’re about to tell you. In today’s post, we’ll talk about some of the dos and don’ts around Invisalign braces aftercare, covering how to clean them, when to wear them, what to do if you have a problem, and of course, ways to keep your teeth straighter for life, so you can get the most out of your treatment and truly enjoy your new smile.
Do clean regularly
First up, we’ll talk through cleaning your Invisalign. It’s actually a straight-forward process. All you need to remember is:
– Rinse Invisalign whenever it’s removed
– Gently brush with a toothbrush, as directed by your dentist – but never use toothpaste or other cleaning agents as these can stain your Invisalign aligners
– Soak in Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner every few days
At the end of your treatment, it’s recommended you rinse your retainers once taken out and dry then before putting them in a clean container to reduce the chances of build up of bacteria and plaque leading to potential bad breath.
Don’t eat while wearing them!
When undergoing Invisalign treatment, it’s essential to be mindful of what you eat to ensure the success of the treatment. While one of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, it’s still important to avoid certain foods that can damage or stain the aligners. Sticky or chewy foods like gum, caramel, or taffy should be avoided as they can get stuck to the aligners and be challenging to clean. It’s best to minimise consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages as they can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion. Instead, opt for soft, non-sticky foods like yogurt, pasta, or steamed vegetables that won’t damage the aligners and are easy to eat with them in place. Remember to remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent staining or warping. With proper dietary choices, you can ensure the success of your Invisalign treatment and maintain good oral health.
Do wear for the recommended time
The less you wear your Invisalign, the longer your treatment will take. Clear brace treatment can sometimes be carried out in under a year, depending on the complexity of the case. Of course, this depends on you wearing your Invisalign for between 20-22 hours per day. If you’re in any doubt about how many times a day can you take invisalign out and how to wear them, talk to your dentist.
Don’t run into problems
Uncomfortable to wear? Broken or lost braces? Invisalign doesn’t fit? Trays looking stained and discoloured? We might be able to help, either by ordering a replacement, or moving you to a different set of aligners. Just ask!
Do wear your retainers
Treatment isn’t over once the braces come off. You’re probably wondering, “how long do you wear Invisalign?”, Well, you’ll need to wear retainers for a time – as directed by your dentist – to keep your teeth looking beautifully straight for the future. Of course, we’ll guide you on this part of the process, just as with your Invisalign treatment.
Book with us
Serving Tunbridge Wells and beyond, we’re here to help makeover your smile. To start your Invisalign journey, why not check in with us for a virtual consultation? We’d be happy to help with your Invisalign needs and enquiries.