Invisalign is a modern orthodontic alternative that addresses mild to moderate dental misalignments with removable and virtually invisible clear aligners that require no dietary restrictions. While many people say this method is more convenient and comfortable than traditional braces, you’ll need to maintain a few excellent habits to keep your treatment on track and achieve the best possible results. Here’s a brief overview of a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind while wearing Invisalign clear aligners.
How Does Invisalign Straighten Teeth?
Invisalign realigns teeth using a customized series of clear aligners specially shaped to fit snugly over your teeth and shift them into healthier positions. Each aligner in the sequence will pick the treatment up where the previous one left off, and the patient will need to have checkups every four to eight weeks so their dentist can make sure their realignment is on track. Most Invisalign treatments take between six and sixteen months.
What Should I Do During Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign requires a significant deal of discipline on the patient’s part. Be sure that you:
- Do wear your clear aligners for at least twenty hours daily.
- Do remove your aligners only for meals, snacks, beverages other than water, and oral hygiene and maintenance sessions.
- Do brush and floss your teeth thoroughly each time before putting your aligners back in.
- Do place your aligners in a protective case when not wearing or cleaning them.
What Should I Not Do During Invisalign Treatment?
Certain practices can lead to painful oral infections and frustrating treatment delays. To keep your realignment on schedule, be sure you:
- Don’t place your aligners on a napkin next to your eating space while wearing them, as this can make it easy for them to be swept up and thrown out with the trash.
- Don’t eat while wearing your clear aligners, as this can damage them and ruin their ability to treat your teeth.
- Don’t drink anything but water while wearing your aligners since this can allow sugary residues to develop between the appliances and the teeth, and this can lead to unsightly stains as well as tooth decay that can delay your treatment.
Certain bad habits can force your Invisalign treatment off track. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best ways to make sure your realignment progresses as intended.
About the Practice
Dr. Lance Anderson earned his dental degree at the University of Louisville and regularly completes continuing education coursework to stay abreast of the latest developments in his field. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Wyoming Dental Association. His office in Lovell offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as Invisalign. To learn more about the Invisalign process, contact the practice on the web or dial (307) 548-7654.