Just got your Invisalign aligners? Are you thinking about getting them?
Many patients ask us about dos and don’ts with Invisalign before starting the treatment.
We get it – starting this journey can feel overwhelming. After working with many patients in our dental practice, we wanted to share some Invisalign dos and don’ts tips that work.
Let’s explore these essential Invisalign dos and don’ts that we gathered from years of experience.
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Dos – Best Practices for Invisalign Wearers
1) Wear Your Aligners for the Recommended Time
Teeth shift incrementally under consistent pressure. Remove aligners only for meals, hydration beyond water, and oral hygiene. Falling below 20 hours daily stalls progress. Teeth revert to prior positions if pressure isn’t maintained, forcing backtracking to older trays. Set timers to monitor wear time. The success rate comes down to following these dos and don’ts with Invisalign consistently and for the recommended time
2) Clean Your Aligners Daily
When talking about daily dos and don’ts with Invisalign, let’s get real about keeping those aligners clean. Plaque buildup clouds aligners and breeds bacteria. Soak trays in a 50-50 mix of water and white vinegar for 15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Alternatively, use Invisalign cleaning crystals. Avoid hot water, which warps plastic. Rinse thoroughly before reinserting.
3) Use a Protective Case
Placing trays on napkins or pockets risks loss, cracks, or accidental disposal. Cases protect against physical damage and contaminants. Label the case with contact information if prone to misplacing items.
4) Do Brush and Floss Before Re-inserting Aligners
Food residue trapped under aligners accelerates decay. Use fluoride toothpaste and waxed floss. Scrape your tongue to reduce bacteria. Wait 10 minutes after eating acidic foods (citrus, soda) to brush acid softens enamel, and brushing too soon erodes it.
5) Do Follow Up with Regular Check-ups
Dentists track tooth movement and address issues like poor tracking or gum irritation. Rescanning may be needed if trays feel loose or cause persistent discomfort. Skipping appointments risks unaddressed problems, prolonging treatment.
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Don’ts – Common Mistakes to Avoid
While we’ve covered the positive habits, these Invisalign dos and don’ts wouldn’t be complete without discussing what mistakes to avoid
1) Don’t Eat or Drink with Aligners In
The heat from coffee or tea warps trays. Sugary drinks linger between teeth and aligners, feeding cavity-causing bacteria. Crunchy snacks like nuts crack aligner edges. Even “soft” foods like oatmeal stick to teeth, increasing decay risk.
2) Don’t Smoke While Wearing Aligners
Nicotine stains trays yellow within days. The heat from smoking softens plastic, altering fit. Reduced blood flow from nicotine delays tooth movement. Use Invisalign as motivation to quit—healthier gums respond better to shifting teeth.
3) Don’t Use Toothpaste to Clean Aligners
Toothpaste’s microbeads scratch surfaces, creating hazy patches. Avoid dish soap with dyes or fragrances. Baking soda, though mild, leaves a gritty residue. Stick to clear, unscented antibacterial soap or Invisalign-branded products.
4) Don’t Expose Aligners to Hot Water
High temperatures distort tray shape, reducing pressure on teeth. Always use cold or lukewarm water. For deep cleaning, soak trays in room-temperature solutions.
5) Don’t Forget to Rinse Aligners After Removing
Saliva dries into a biofilm that dulls trays and causes odors. Rinse immediately after taking them out. Soak in fresh water if unable to brush right away.
Grasping above dos and don’ts with Invisalign takes time, but it’s worth it
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Additional Tips for a Smooth Invisalign Experience
Beyond the basic Invisalign dos and don’ts, here are some extra tips that you must follow:
1) Insert and Remove Aligners Properly
Use both hands to pull trays from the back molars first. Never yank them off the front teeth this bends plastic and disrupts fit. Apply even pressure on both sides.
2) Use Chewies for Tight Fit
Bite down on these foam cylinders for 5-10 minutes daily to seat aligners snugly. Improves tracking, especially for rotated teeth.
3) Stay Hydrated to Combat Dry Mouth
Aligners reduce saliva circulation, increasing dehydration. Sip water hourly. Avoid sugary drinks that require frequent tray removal.
4) Preserve Old Aligners for Emergencies
Keep the previous set in their case. If current trays break or get lost, revert to old ones temporarily. Never jump ahead to the next set without approval.
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FAQs
Q1. What should you not do with Invisalign?
Ans: Never use DIY methods like trimming trays with scissors. Avoid chewing gum it sticks to aligners. Don’t drink alcohol with trays in as it degrades plastic
Q2. Which teeth are hardest to move with Invisalign?
Ans: Canines due to long roots. Second molars also resist movement.
Q3. What damages Invisalign?
Ans: Knowing Invisalign dos and don’ts helps protect your investment. Though trays left on dashboards or biting nails or pen caps create micro-cracks. Chlorine in pools also weakens plastic over time.
Q4. How do I survive the first week of Invisalign?
Ans: Initial pressure fades within 3-5 days. Use over-the-counter pain relievers if approved by your dentist. Eat lukewarm soups and mashed food to minimize chewing.
Q5. Can I leave my Invisalign out for 3 hours?
Ans: Extended removal periods reset progress. Teeth begin shifting back within a few hours. Split meal times into smaller portions to reduce tray-free intervals.
Q6. What happens if you wear Invisalign for less than 22 hours per day?
Ans: It can slow the progress. If you wear aligners less than what your dentist suggested it will increase your treatment time.
The most successful patients follow these dos and don’ts Invisalign rules carefully.
These extensive Invisalign dos and don’ts come from real clinical experience.
The most successful patients follow these dos and don’ts Invisalign rules carefully.
Invisalign works when paired with commitment. Stick to schedules, prioritize hygiene, and communicate with your dental team.
These tried-and-tested dos and don’ts Invisalign guidelines will help you achieve that perfect smile
AO Dentistry’s experts tailor guidance to your unique needs and book a consultation to refine your path to a flawless smile.
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