Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces to rearrange your teeth. These clear aligners fit snuggly over them to gently reposition them to their ideal placements over time. It’s important to care for your orthodontics properly to continue to make the most of them, but many patients struggle with routine during the busy holiday season. If this sounds familiar, read on to learn about 4 ways to stay on track into the new year!
Tip #1: Wear Your Aligners Daily
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle-and-bustle of end-of-the-year tasks, gift shopping, and meal preparation. With so many activities happening all at once, it’s easy to forget little details like wearing your Invisalign. However, the aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours every day to maintain your treatment timeline. Skipping a day or wearing it for too few hours allows your teeth to revert to their previous positions which hinders your forward progress.
Tip #2: Remove Aligners for Meals
You might think you’re safe to have a few sips of hot cocoa with your Invisalign in place, but you will probably regret your decision if you try it! Hot liquids can warp your aligner trays leaving them too misshapen to be effective anymore. If they no longer fit well, they could even push your pearly whites in undesirable directions or lead to additional discomfort when your next set of aligners arrives. To keep them in good shape, take them out whenever you eat or drink.
Tip #3: Keep Your Case with You
Many patients take out their aligners for meals and tuck them away on their plates or fold them into a napkin. You need to be careful if you do this not to inadvertently dispose of them afterward. If your aligners have gone missing, you’ll have to make up for lost time with a new set later. To avoid accidentally throwing them away, carry your Invisalign case with you wherever you go. It’s an easy way to keep the trays safe when they’re not in your mouth.
Tip #4: Clean After Eating
Before replacing the aligners in your mouth after eating, you need to make sure both are clear of debris. You can rinse the plastic trays under room temperature water, and you should also brush and floss your teeth. That way you remove harmful bacteria that can thrive in the spaces between your pearly whites and your orthodontics, which can lead to unhealthy plaque buildup.
Don’t let your routine slip over these next couple of months. Take care of your Invisalign this winter and soon you’ll have the perfectly straight smile you deserve!
About the Author
Dr. James K. Kramer has 30+ years of experience providing a full range of dental services to meet your individual oral healthcare needs. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Temple University School of Dentistry. He has since completed many hours of continued education to offer the most up-to-date treatments, including Invisalign. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (302) 436-5133.