Aftercare Tips for New Invisalign Patients

Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. The aligners are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic, so no one will be able to tell you’re wearing them.

Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are removable and can be taken out for meals, brushing your teeth, or on special occasions. Invisalign aligners are also custom-made for you, so they’re more comfortable and fit better.

Invisalign Treatment Process

Invisalign is a series of clear, plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place. You’ll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move little by little, week by week, until they have straightened to the final position. You’ll visit us about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Caring For Invisalign

Wear Invisalign Aligners As Directed

You must wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day. If you take them out for any reason, be sure to put them back in as soon as possible.

While Invisalign aligners are removable for easy cleaning, you should only remove them to brush and floss your teeth. Avoid eating or drinking anything except water while wearing your aligners.

It’s also important to brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in your mouth.

Clean your Invisalign aligners

Cleaning your aligners is easy to do and should be done on a daily basis. For optimal performance, it’s recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush all of the surfaces of your aligners, including the outer surface and the inner surface.

Brushing your aligners removes bacteria and food particles that can build up and compromise the effectiveness of your aligners.

Avoid Damaging Your Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign aligners are made of plastic and rubber. If you chew gum, eat hard candy, or put any kind of foreign material in your aligners, they can become damaged and distorted. To avoid damage, you should only eat soft foods when wearing Invisalign aligners. You should also remove your aligners before eating, drinking hot beverages, or brushing and flossing your teeth.

Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean

It’s vital to keep your aligners clean. When they’re dirty, you risk trapping bacteria in your trays. For best results, we recommend cleaning your trays every time you brush your teeth.

First, rinse your aligners under lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp your aligners. Then, use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to gently brush away any debris.

If you have concerns about dental health or wish to know more about Invisalign and aftercare, visit Elan Dental at 310 suite an S Main St, Rolesville, NC 27571, or call us at (919) 556-6761 and schedule an appointment.