Living with Invisalign – Alhambra, CA
Helpful Tips for Your Teeth-Straightening
Journey
Today, more than 14 million patients around the world have chosen Invisalign. Since the trays are removable, comfortable, discreet, and deliver results in an average of just 12-18 months, it’s not hard to see why! If you recently started your teeth-straightening journey (or your first appointment is rapidly approaching), then now is a great time to learn all the rules about living with Invisalign.
Wearing Your Aligners
Unlike traditional braces, aligners aren’t bonded to your teeth, which allows you to take them out throughout your orthodontic treatment. However, it’s important to wear them as much as possible. After all, they only work while you’re wearing them! That’s why patients are encouraged to keep them on for 20-22 hours a day. The Invisalign app is a great resource because it can help you track your wear time, helping you meet this goal each and every day.
Eating and Drinking with Invisalign
Fortunately, there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign – you can eat whatever you’d like! The only “rule” is that you have to remove your trays before eating or drinking anything other than water, even coffee. It’s also worth mentioning that eating crunchy, sticky, and hard foods can cause one of your attachments to come off, which is considered an orthodontic emergency and requires a trip to our dental office ASAP. So, exercise caution with raw nuts, popcorn, and the like.
Your Invisalign Checkups
Even if you already have your entire series of aligners, you need to prioritize your Invisalign check-in visits. These appointments allow us to monitor the movement of your teeth, ensure your teeth and gums are still healthy, and make adjustments to your treatment plan (if needed). Plus, this is a great opportunity to talk to our team about any questions or concerns you have so we can provide you with the answers and solutions you need right away.
Cleaning Your Aligners
To properly clean your aligners, you need two things: a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean, lukewarm water. After dampening the bristles, use them to gently scrub each surface of your trays. Then, rinse them off again, complete your oral hygiene regimen as usual, and put them back in your mouth.
Note: if your trays are starting to yellow, you can also use the Invisalign cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit. This will provide them with a deeper clean.
Dealing with Mishaps
From a broken attachment to a lost aligner, mishaps can happen. When they do, call our Alhambra dental team at your earliest convenience. We will ask you a few questions over the phone to learn more about your unique situation. Then, we will determine what the best course of action is – from coming in the same day for treatment to moving onto the next tray in the series.