Get the most out of your Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign is an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment option to align crooked teeth and resolve bite issues. It has already delivered results for more than 11 million patients worldwide. This convenient treatment can fit seamlessly into your lifestyle if you follow these key tips for success.

1. Always follow your dentist’s instructions.

When you first come in to see your dentist about misaligned teeth, they’ll provide an overview of options for your smile. This could include Invisalign or traditional braces, depending on your specific case. If Invisalign is the right choice for you, your dentist will tell you what you’ll need to do to make your treatment a success.

It’s essential that you follow their instructions closely. Your dentist will let you know how long to wear each set of clear aligners, how to take care of them, and how to handle eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. All of these details come together to ensure effective and comfortable treatment, so listen closely!

2. Take proper care of your aligners.

Clear aligners are a lot easier to take care of than traditional braces. However, there are still important steps to take to keep them clean and prevent damage. Each night, you should clean your aligners at the same time you brush your teeth. This makes it easy to develop a consistent habit without taking extra time out of your day.

Cleaning your aligners is relatively simple if you follow the instructions properly. First, rinse the aligners with water. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the aligners. You can use specific Invisalign cleaning products or a small amount of nonabrasive toothpaste, but avoid abrasive toothpaste altogether as it can damage the aligners.

3. Drink only water when your aligners are in.

One of the biggest perks of Invisalign treatment over braces for crooked teeth is that you can take them out to eat. You’ll need to make sure to brush your teeth and rinse the aligners before putting them back in, but you’ll have essentially no dietary restrictions. However, you have to watch what you drink.

Only drink pure water when you have your aligners in; don’t drink anything else unless you remove them first. That includes coffee, tea, sparkling water, juice, soda, and more. Acidic or sugary drinks can get stuck in the aligners and contribute to tooth decay. It can also stain your aligners, reducing their invisibility.

4. Don’t leave your aligners off for too long.

Being able to remove your Invisalign aligners is a double-edged sword. While it’s incredibly convenient, it’s also tempting to take them off for extended periods of time, particularly in social situations. However, doing so can impact your treatment and drag your timeline out considerably.

Your clear aligners apply steady pressure to slowly guide your teeth into the proper positions, and to do it effectively, you need to wear them for at least 22 hours each day. The best practice is to remove them only when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.

5. Don’t skip your check-ins.

While orthodontic treatment has traditionally been thought of as something for children and teens, the convenience of Invisalign is a key reason why so many adults seek out this treatment. That convenience goes beyond just being able to remove the aligners as needed—the overall treatment also requires fewer office visits than traditional braces.

While traditional braces require routine tightening, Invisalign calls for only a few check-ins to evaluate your progress. These appointments are quick but important to keeping your treatment on track, so make sure to keep them.

6. Don’t be afraid to share your smile.

Invisalign aligners are practically unnoticeable, but transparency isn’t their only advantage. They also sit flat against your teeth, providing a natural contour. You might feel hesitant to share your smile with the world during Invisalign treatment, but this unique treatment option really is as subtle as they say.

Is Invisalign the right option for you?

Invisalign effectively treats many different cases. It could be just what you need to both improve the beauty of your smile and ensure long-term oral health. Visit Dr. Desai at Luminous Smiles to find out whether Invisalign is the right option for your smile makeover.

During your consultation, Dr. Desai will carefully evaluate numerous aspects of your smile, including your facial features and your personality, to develop a smile design that suits you perfectly. As a Kois-trained dentist, she takes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to planning and carrying out your treatment. You can visit the only female Newport Beach dentist accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to find the right option to improve your smile. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Desai today to get started.