Want the Best Invisalign Treatment? Here’s What Not to Do!

Woman smiling with Invisalign Modern technology has brought Invisalign orthodontics, which is a comfortable and discreet way to achieve a straight smile. The Invisalign system uses a series of clear plastic aligning trays to give you the smile of your dreams. However, it’s vital that you care for your Invisalign aligners properly to ensure that your treatment is as effective as possible. That’s why your expert dentist has included the some of the most important things NOT to do during the process. Keep reading to learn more about the don’ts of Invisalign.

Don’t Get Your Aligners Dirty

For a straight smile, you must wear your clear braces for 20 to 22 hours a day, however it’s incredibly important that you clean them regularly. One of the benefits of Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners to eat, but make sure you’re not getting them dirty. Store your aligners in their case while they’re not in use. Regularly rinse them out with water and clean your teeth after eating. This will prevent food debris from getting stuck in your Invisalign, causing stains in the clear plastic and higher risks of oral health issues like tooth decay.

Don’t Rush Treatment

Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into beautiful alignment for lasting results. However, if the process is rushed, tooth resorption can occur, where your teeth essentially shrink and become less stable. This can eventually lead to tooth loss, which is why it’s important to trust the process and follow your treatment instructions. Typically, each aligning tray should be worn for around 2 weeks before moving on to the next in the series.

Don’t Scratch Your Aligners

When you take your aligners out to clean them, it’s a good idea to place towels on your sink and/or floor! That way, if you drop them, the trays will have something to cushion their fall, eliminating the possibility that they get chipped or scratched. Additionally, use a soft-bristled toothbrush when cleaning your Invisalign. Hard bristles can lead to abrasion, leaving scratches in your aligners. This can cause their appearance to become foggy, but the scratches can also trap pieces of food and bacteria, creating odor and higher risks of infection in your mouth.

Don’t Forget to Brush

Just because you’re wearing Invisalign, doesn’t mean that you should stop brushing! Remember that your daily dental hygiene is even more important because your trays can trap plaque and bacteria in your smile, causing risk of issues like decay and gum disease. That’s why you should make sure that you’re brushing twice a day for two minutes each session. Angle your brush at 45-degrees, paying special attention to your gumline.
Are you ready for a successful treatment with Invisalign? Remember these important no no’s to keep your smile healthy and on track.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Kimberley Capua is an experienced dentist who offers Invisalign for Carrollton patients as a discreet and confident way to achieve straight teeth. If you have any questions about treatment, or if you wish to schedule a consultation, she can be reached through her website or by phone at (972) 418-1811.

A resident of Texas since 1970, Dr. Capua has lived and practiced in the North Dallas / Carrollton area since 1991. She earned her dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, graduating in 1989. Prior to becoming a dentist, Dr. Capua practiced as a dental hygienist for five years. Dr. Kimberley Capua has been a dentist in Carrollton since 1989. She is married with one son and enjoys traveling, museums, music, skiing, and boating. Her affiliations include the American Dental Assiciation, the Texas Dental Association, and Dallas County Dental Society. Dr. Capua performs sedation dentistry and is nitrous oxide certified.