So you’ve done your scans, waited patiently for your Invisalign® clear aligners to come in, and now they’re finally here! If you were a little too excited when you picked them up that you missed a few instructions from our orthodontic team, it’s ok; we’re here to support you throughout your orthodontic journey.
By wearing your Invisalign as instructed and knowing what not to do with Invisalign, you can enjoy a comfortable treatment and experience the best possible smile at the end (and for a lifetime!)
Here’s the Invisalign do’s and don’ts.
Do: Wear your Invisalign as prescribed
It’s that simple! If you want your Invisalign to do what it’s designed to do, you have to wear it as instructed. When your custom aligners come in, Dr. Matsumoto will let you know how long you should wear your Invisalign for each day. This is typically between 20 to 22 hours a day which makes it perfect for eating meals and brushing your teeth – just be sure to pop your aligners back in after! If you’re a little nervous or just wondering what to expect with Invisalign treatment, check out this blog for more info on your first day with Invisalign.
Do: Always brush your teeth before putting your Invisalign back in
Yes, it’s true! Any time you remove your aligners, whether it’s after a meal or drinking a beverage other than water, you should always brush your teeth. Not only is doing this going to help keep your Invisalign from smelling and yellowing, but you’re also keeping your teeth healthy and clean too. Just imagine putting your aligners back in after enjoying some spaghetti. Your aligners won’t stay clear for long – and you’ll be putting your oral health at risk for cavities or tooth sensitivity.
Do: Clean your Invisalign every day
How often should you clean your Invisalign? Cleaning Invisalign daily is a must! A dirty Invisalign filled with bacteria is not a pleasant sight or experience. When you’re wearing your Invisalign everyday, it’s necessary that you clean it everyday too. The mouth is home to over 700 species of bacteria at any given time – yikes! Dirty Invisaligns are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to flourish.
Don’t: Use hot water or harsh chemicals on your Invisalign
Your Invisalign is strong and durable because it’s designed to withstand the forces of tooth movement. BUT it can be damaged by hot water, harsh chemicals, or careless handling. This is true for all clear aligners brands too, they can become warped, deformed, or discolored if you don’t care for them properly. If any of your aligner sets become damaged, it’s likely that you’ll have to pay for replacement aligners. (This also means you shouldn’t skip around on your next round of aligners just because you’ve lost your current ones!)
Here’s how to clean Invisalign best:
- First, brush and floss your teeth before placing the Invisalign in your mouth.
- Use lukewarm water and a gentle, antibacterial soap to brush the Invisalign with a soft toothbrush.
- Soak your aligners with Invisalign Cleaning Crystals daily, for 10 minutes at a time.
Don’t: Store your Invisalign on a napkin or on a table
Don’t make the mistake of leaving your Invisalign on a napkin or your dinner plate. This situation is the perfect storm for your aligners to end up in the trash – especially when you’re out at a restaurant!
When you choose Invisalign treatment with Dr. Matsumoto, your aligners will come with a small carrying case that you can use to store them while you eat. When you take your Invisalign out of your mouth, rinse it off, and brush it with a toothbrush if you can, then place it in your carrying case. Just be sure to clean your case regularly as well and that it’s dry when you place your Invisalign in it. You can use a mild antibacterial soap to clean your case too.
Also, don’t place your Invisalign in your pocket or on the living room table. Pets love to chew Invisalign aligners—we’ve seen it many times! There are just too many risks associated with improper storage of your Invisalign to count. Plus if you wanna avoid any replacement fees and keep your treatment on track, take the time to put your aligners in your case whenever you remove them.
If you follow these Invisalign dos and don’ts, your aligners will take care of your smile-in-progress and help you experience beautiful results!
Have more questions about proper Invisalign wear and care?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re here to guide you through your treatment process to help you experience the greatest possible results.
Before you begin treatment, Dr. Matsumoto and our experienced team will explain everything you need to know about your wearing, cleaning and caring for your Invisalign.
Ready to start your smile transformation? Request your complimentary exam with Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics at our orthodontist office in Wilmington, NC, at Porters Neck.
