Invisalign is a fantastic solution for many mild to moderate dental misalignments. While many patients report this treatment to be much more convenient and comfortable than traditional braces, it still requires a considerable amount of discipline on the patient’s part to be successful. Here’s a quick look at some facts about Invisalign that are important to know before you begin treatment.
Invisalign Must Be Worn for at Least Twenty Hours Each Day
Your Invisalign clear aligners will be completely customized to fit over your dental arches so they can exert the consistent and precise pressure necessary to shift your teeth into healthier positions. However, your teeth will begin to drift back towards their former positions when you are not wearing your aligners, so you will need to take care to wear them for at least twenty hours each day to keep your treatment on track. As a rule, it’s best to only remove them for meals and oral hygiene sessions.
Invisalign Clear Aligners Are Not Designed for Chewing
While Invisalign clear aligners are incredibly durable, they are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing. To keep your devices from being broken or warped, you will need to remove them before eating or drinking anything but water. Eating or drinking non-water beverages while wearing Invisalign can also allow bacteria-breeding or stain-causing materials to accumulate beneath your appliances, which can lead to infections and unsightly dental discoloration.
You’ll Need to Brush and Floss Frequently
Your treatment instructions will include thoroughly brushing and flossing before reinserting your clear aligners. This will prevent your teeth from being exposed to accumulations of acidic and sugary residues that can lead to cavities, stains, and enamel erosion that can delay your orthodontic treatment and make costly restorative treatments necessary. You will also need to rinse your aligners each time before inserting them and clean them once a day with approved cleaning agents.
Don’t let poor habits cause painful infections and frustrating treatment delays during Invisalign treatment. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your orthodontic process on track.
About the Author
Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz offers the finest oral healthcare services in Burbank. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry and is the director of the Los Angeles Institute of Esthetic Dentistry. His practice provides general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as Invisalign. To schedule your consultation for Invisalign, contact his office online or dial (818) 558-4332.
