With so much information out there, it’s common for patients to get overwhelmed with what they should and shouldn’t do to stay on track with their treatment plan. Don’t worry – there are really only a few things you need to keep in mind, and you can always reach out to your orthodontist if you have any questions. To help, we’re also sharing six important dos and don’ts with Invisalign right here!
1. Do Rinse Your Aligners When You Take Them Off
When you remove your aligners – whether it’s to eat or complete your oral hygiene regimen – you should rinse them with clean water. This is a small step that only takes a few minutes, but it’s crucial because it removes saliva, plaque, and other debris from the surface. Simply put, if you don’t want your trays to get stained or smelly, make this step a priority!
2. Don’t Use Hot Water to Clean Your Trays
It’s important that you always check the temperature of the water before you rinse or clean your aligners. That’s because really hot water can cause them to warp, negatively impacting their fit and function. To prevent that from happening, stick to cool or lukewarm water.
3. Do Brush Your Teeth After Each Meal
If you clean your aligners, but not your teeth, it won’t be long before they are in poor shape. That’s one of the many reasons patients are encouraged to brush and floss their teeth after each meal. To make this task a bit easier, keep an on-the-go dental care kit filled with travel-sized essentials with you.
4. Don’t Drink Coffee with Your Aligners On
Drinking coffee with your aligners on might sound like a good idea, but it can lead to several problems. The first is that hot coffee (like hot water) can warp your aligners. The second is that this dark-colored beverage can leave behind noticeable stains. So, always take them off beforehand!
5. Do Wear Your Trays for 20+ Hours a Day
Wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day is crucial throughout every step of the treatment process. One way to make this simple is by creating a routine and sticking with it! If you need to, you can use the stopwatch on your phone to track your wear time (this is often very helpful at the beginning).
6. Don’t Skip Your Check-In Visits
Every six weeks or so, you’ll need to return to your orthodontist’s office for a check-in visit. At this time, they will scan your teeth, monitor their movement, and – if everything is going as anticipated – give you your next set of aligners. In short, these appointments are important, so don’t skip them!
About the Practice
Our top-rated team at Simply Orthodontics Dayville focuses on more than just your teeth. In fact, we offer convenient hours, share all of our tips and tricks, and welcome multiple financial solutions to help ensure that each and every patient has the phenomenal experience they deserve. If you want to schedule an appointment with us, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (860) 774-2008.