Stay on Track: The Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing Invisalign

The idea of enjoying a straighter smile is what keeps most people on track while wearing Invisalign. Looking ahead to a time when aligners are no longer necessary can be motivation to follow the dentist’s orders. But what can you do to reduce the risk of delaying treatment? Are there certain things you should follow as well as avoid? Keep reading to learn the do’s and don’ts of wearing Invisalign clear aligners.

What Steps Ensure Successful Results?

When wearing Invisalign, you can expect your dentist to recommend the following steps to keep your teeth moving in the right direction as well as avoid potential problems along the way (i.e., dental decay, cavities, etc.):

• Soak your aligners each day so that they undergo a thorough cleaning. This removes dried saliva and harmful bacteria that can be transferred to your teeth.
• Minimize your exposure to pigmented foods and beverages, as they can stain your aligners and cause them to appear more visible to others.
• Make sure to brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners, as this will prevent bacteria and food particles from transferring to your trays and making it easier for cavities to form.

What Should You Avoid While Wearing Invisalign?

As a flexible form of orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is an effective and easy-to-use solution. Although there is much freedom that comes with these aligners, you will need to be mindful of a few things to avoid if you want to keep your smile on track. These include:

• Smoking or using tobacco products, as nicotine can easily damage your aligners. Not only will it cause them to become discolored, but it can cause your breath to smell bad as well.
• Using scented or colored cleaning solutions when maintaining your trays. These can be more abrasive than others, which can scratch and damage your Invisalign. Also, they can stain your aligners. Instead, opt for clear soap and/or Invisalign Cleaning Crystals.
• Eating with your trays in can cause them to become damaged because of the pressure placed on teeth. Instead, make sure to take them out before enjoying a snack or meal.
• Leaving your trays out in the open, as this not only puts them at risk of being exposed to harmful bacteria but also increases the chances of losing one or more aligners. You should always keep a protective case on hand when preparing to take out your Invisalign trays.

Living with Invisalign doesn’t have to be hard. Following these simple rules will ensure your aligners continue to look good, function well, and put you one step closer to a straighter, healthier set of teeth.

About the Practice
Blue Coast Dental Group is pleased to have multiple dental experts on staff who can provide top-of-the-line oral healthcare to patients in need. Offering Invisalign as an alternative orthodontic solution, we can straighten teeth and realign bites without requiring individuals to wear metal brackets and wires that interfere with their daily appearance. If you are interested in achieving a healthier smile with the help of Invisalign, call us at (310) 424-3100 or visit our website.