Invisalign is a great alternative for traditional braces, as many people look for a way to align their teeth without the noticeable tracks and brackets.
These aligners offer the benefit of being clear and therefore less noticeable to others.
For those interested in the treatment process of Invisalign, Holly House Dental have provided some of their top tips for Invisalign wearers, including how to clean them, how often you should wear these aligners, and things you should avoid ensuring you achieve the best results.
How long should you wear your Invisalign for?
Most dentists and orthodontists recommend following the guidelines when it comes to wearing your Invisalign.
When starting a course of Invisalign you should wear your clear aligners for at least 22 hours per day.
By doing this you will achieve the desired results in the treatment time.
The treatment is usually complete after around 12 months, although results and treatment time will vary depending upon your individual circumstances.
You should only remove your aligners during the day when you need to eat, drink, and clean your teeth.
Top tips for caring for your clear aligners
Clean your Invisalign to care for them
As you will be wearing your clear aligners for long periods of time, it is really important you keep them as clean as possible.
As plaque and bacteria can easily build up while wearing your aligners, you need to take them out and clean them every morning and every night to help prevent a build-up to avoid damaging your teeth.
Keep up with your oral hygiene routine
Any dentist and orthodontist will always recommend you take good care of your oral hygiene.
As you will need to remove your clear aligners to eat and drink throughout the day, it is important you clean your teeth before putting your aligners back into your mouth.
This is to prevent any food particles from being trapped between your teeth and the aligner, causing a build up of plaque or stains to your teeth.
Once you have completed your treatment process you may be referred to an dental hygienist who can offer teeth cleaning and whitening treatments.
Be mindful of the snacks you eat throughout the day
The longer you wear your aligners throughout the day, the greater your results will be.
So, it is a good idea to be mindful of when you will eat and drink and if you need to snack within the day.
If you continuously remove your aligners to eat a snack a few times alongside your main meals, results may take longer to achieve.
Consider whether you can avoid snacking throughout the day or keep this to a minimum.
Some things to avoid with Invisalign
Avoid fizzy drinks and coffee
Consuming these drinks will likely stain your aligners, taking away the clear element.
When drinking with your aligners in, you should choose to drink water to hydrate and enjoy your favourite beverages with your main meals when you are not wearing your aligners.
Always remember to clean your teeth after eating and drinking and putting your aligners back in.
Do not wear your aligners while eating
The clear aligners have not been designed to withstand the pressures of chewing food.
Eating whilst wearing your aligners could damage, break, and stain them.
Avoid smoking
Try to minimise this bad habit during your treatment process, as this will help keep your Invisalign clear aligners clear.
Smoking is notorious for its ability to discolour teeth and will do the same to your aligners if you choose to smoke whilst wearing them.
This will take away the benefits of Invisalign.
Do not clean your aligners with harsh chemicals
Invisalign aligners can be easily cleaned with water and a gentle toothbrush.
You do not need to use any harsh chemicals or soaps to clean your clear aligners as this could damage or scratch them.
If you have any concerns about cleaning your aligners, your dentist or orthodontist will be able to offer you advice about how to do this.