Tips for New Invisalign Patients

Invisalign is an alternative to braces. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth instead of brackets and wires. The aligners are virtually invisible when worn, and treatment typically takes 9 to 15 months. The time period mostly depends on the severity of the case. If you just got your Invisalign aligners or soon going to get them, here are some tips you need to follow.

Good Oral Hygiene Routine

It’s important to follow your dentist’s recommendations and instructions to maintain a good oral hygiene routine for your Invisalign clear aligners. When wearing clear aligners, patients need to brush and floss their teeth regularly. Because aligners are removable, patients need to brush after every meal to prevent food particles from sticking to the aligners. Patients should also floss their teeth every day to clean between their teeth and along their gum-line.

Avoid Eating or Drinking Anything Other Than Water While Wearing Your Aligners

Invisalign aligners are removable, so patients can take them out while eating. However, food particles can get stuck in your aligners, causing bacteria to grow. This bacteria can cause gum disease, which can damage your teeth and your Invisalign aligners.

When wearing your aligners, make sure you’re only drinking water. Staying hydrated is important, but Invisalign patients should avoid liquids that could stain their aligners.

Wear Your Aligners For 20-22 Hours a Day

Your aligners are there to shift your teeth into their ideal position gradually. In order to achieve that, you must wear your aligners as much as possible.

Your aligners are very durable, but keeping them clean is important. Make sure you only wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time each day.

Wear Your Aligners As Directed

The first few days are the most challenging for new Invisalign patients. This is because your teeth have just undergone major adjustments. If you skip wearing your aligners, you run the risk of extending your treatment.

However, wearing the aligners as directed doesn’t mean you have to wear them 24/7. In fact, Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can take them out at mealtime. 

Attend All of Your Follow-up Appointments

During your Invisalign treatment, you will meet with your dental team every two or three weeks. These appointments are essential to monitoring your progress, replacing the aligners, and making any adjustments necessary to achieve your best smile.

We request you schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at (435) 713-0096 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.