Are you getting ready to start the Invisalign process? Invisalign is one of the most popular methods for straightening teeth (especially for adults), but how are you supposed to make sure that your process goes as smoothly as possible?
While Invisalign is pretty foolproof, there are a few things that you can do to damage your aligners or hinder your own progress. We’re here to help you identify common Invisalign care mistakes so you can avoid them.
Keep reading to learn more.
1. Eating With Your Aligners
This is one of the first things that your dental health professional is going to tell you. You should never eat with your Invisalign in.
First of all, eating with your aligners is uncomfortable. Because the aligners are flat and smooth, eating feels unusual and it may even hurt on the first day of your current aligner.
When you eat with your aligners, you put too much pressure on them and you can get them dirty.
2. Drinking More Than Water
While people sometimes break this rule, you also shouldn’t drink anything aside from water while you have your aligners in. This can allow sugar to get underneath the aligners and damage your teeth.
If you drink something that can stain, like red wine or coffee, you may end up with discolored aligners. While this doesn’t hurt them, it’s embarrassing.
On the flip side, if you know that you’re going to be going out for more than an hour or so, it’s better to keep your aligners in. Don’t make a habit of it.
3. Forgetting Them
One of the reasons that aligners aren’t as popular for children and young teens is that they’re easy to forget if you’re not careful. When you get Invisalign, you’ll get an aligner carrying case, but not everyone uses it.
When you eat a meal during work or school, or even on a night out, you need to take out your aligners. Make sure that you don’t throw them away with your garbage. Invisalign is hard to replace.
4. Not Keeping Them Clean
Do you want dirty aligners to press up against your teeth every day? Why wouldn’t you try to keep them clean?
When you get your Invisalign, it will come with a cleaning powder or Invisalign cleaning kit for you to put in water. It’s best to use this while you’re eating your longest meal of the day (which is often dinner).
You’ll also have to buy your own cleaning powder or tablets because the sample only contains a few packets. There are plenty of off-brand cleaning tablets online that will help you keep your aligners clean and clear.
Don’t Make These Invisalign Care Mistakes
Invisalign is expensive. Make sure that you aren’t making these Invisalign care mistakes so you aren’t wasting your money.
Keep up with cleaning Invisalign trays, be careful not to lose your aligners, and don’t eat or drink anything aside from water while your trays are in. It’s a lot to think about, but soon enough you’ll have your superstar smile!
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