Clear Aligners/Invisalign in Downers Grove
You have just decided to straighten your teeth, and you chose to go with Invisalign in Downers Grove by your family dentist. So, how do you take care of Invisalign, you ask? It all comes down to practicing your new routines each day.
Please don’t get nervous about adjusting your life – there’s no need to worry. Follow our tips, and you’ll be on your way toward a straight and healthy smile.
#1 Wear Your Clear Aligners
Obviously, but it’s easier to neglect this step than you might think. You should wear your aligner at least 22 hours per day, taking them out only to eat, drink and clean them.
As your teeth straighten, you may lose the urgency to wear your aligners as prescribed, leading to a longer Invisalign treatment time. Get in the habit early and keep wearing those aligners.
#2 Change Your Trays on Time
Every two weeks or so, a new set of aligners are given to move your teeth a bit more than the previous set. You’ll have a completely new smile by the time you get your last invisible aligners.
Your orthodontic treatment is a pretty precise schedule. There’s a projected end date, although it’s not guaranteed. It helps to change your trays on time to keep up the pace and aim for your projected end date.
#3 Keep Your Old Aligners
Some people toss away their old Invisalign clear aligners when they move on to the next set. We recommend keeping the last set of aligners if, by chance, you lose your current aligners. You’ll protect your progress by wearing the old trays while waiting for your orthodontist to replace your current pair.
#4 Good Oral Hygiene
Wearing aligners can increase the chances of harmful bacteria building up in your mouth. The best way to combat this is to have good oral health through regular dental hygiene habits.
#5 Clean Your Aligners
Toothpaste and mouthwash are standard bathroom items. These products are great for cleaning teeth but not for clear aligners. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch thermoplastic. Your toothbrush bristles will worsen these scratches by changing from clear aligners to cloudy and noticeable.
Don’t soak your clear aligners in mouthwash either, as it contains colorants that risk staining your aligners.
#6 Remove Your Aligners Before Eating and Drinking
Take your aligners out before eating and drinking to avoid a bacterial buildup. Bacteria leads to bad breath and food trapped in your aligners.
Drinking dark beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can stain your aligners over time. So take them out for everything but water.
#7 Rinse Regularly
Rinse your aligners often throughout the day. Rinsing removes any lingering particles that could contribute to bad breath and discoloration.
#8 Protect Your Aligners When Not in Use
Please do not keep your trays in a napkin while eating. It always leads to them landing in the wastebasket. Have a hard case on hand to hold your aligners when you take them out to protect them from damage or accidentally being thrown away.
See Us For Invisalign in Downers Grove, IL
If you or a loved one has crowded teeth or bigger spaces than you like and don’t want the hassle of traditional metal braces, then aligner treatment is the way to go. Invisalign works just as well as traditional braces to move your teeth to the correct position with no metal in sight. Call us at Jackson Family Dentistry for an appointment.
