Aftercare Tips for Invisalign Patients

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth without metal wires and brackets. Invisalign aligners are invisible, removable, and comfortable, so they won’t interfere with your day-to-day life. If you have opted for Invisalign to fix your misaligned teeth or have already got one, then here are a few tips that may help you.

Wear Your Aligners Enough

For best results, wear your aligners as instructed. It is advised to wear them 22 hours a day or as advised by your dental provider. When you wear your aligners as directed, you will see results quickly. However, if you don’t wear them as prescribed, you may not see the same results.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

Your Invisalign aligners work by moving your teeth in small increments. Hard, brittle foods can break the aligners, so it’s best to avoid these foods. Hard foods can also make it difficult to properly clean your teeth. Sticky, chewy foods can also get stuck in the aligners, so it’s best to avoid them as well.

Oral Hygiene

Because aligners are removable, you need to brush your teeth after every meal, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash. If you cannot brush after every meal, at least rinse your mouth thoroughly. This will help prevent any bacteria or food particles from sticking to your teeth. 

Regular Dental Visits

One of the most important things you can do to ensure the success of your Invisalign treatment is to complete your treatment plan. As part of your treatment plan, your dentist will provide a custom-made series of aligners. Each aligner is used for two weeks and moves your teeth a little bit closer to their final position. You need to visit your dentist according to the suggested intervals.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your teeth and gums. It increases your risk for periodontal (gum) disease, oral cancer, and even tooth decay. If you have Invisalign, smoking also delays treatment.

If you smoke, it’s because you either enjoy it or you haven’t yet decided to quit. However, you should still try to kick the habit for the sake of your teeth and gums.

Don’t Chew Gum

Even though you remove your Invisalign aligners to eat, it’s important to remember not to chew gum. Why? Because gum can stick to the aligners and potentially damage them. We recommend sticking to sugar-free gum, as this won’t damage your aligners.

Don’t Drink Sugary Beverages

For the best results, you should limit your intake of sugary beverages. Sugary beverages can lead to tooth decay and cavities. If you do drink a sugary beverage, rinse your mouth with water afterward. This will help rinse away debris and keep the aligners clean.

To learn more, visit Biltmore Commons Dental Care. You can schedule an appointment with us by calling (602) 249-2227.