How to Ensure a Successful Treatment
One clear advantage of choosing Invisalign over traditional braces is that you can remove your aligners. This makes it much easier to keep your trays clean and avoid damage.
Even though Invisalign makes it easy to maintain your aligners, it’s essential that you follow all of Dr. Grussmark’s instructions if you want to achieve the stunning results you desire.
Explore our guide to learn some valuable tips on caring for your aligners.
Meal Times
One downside of traditional braces are the metal wires which stop you from enjoying some of your favorite foods. An easy trap for food crumbs and other bacteria, these wires make it difficult to keep your braces clean.
Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out while you’re eating meals. This allows you to eat totally unrestricted without interfering with your treatment. It also prevents crumbs from getting lodged under your trays and causing an infection.
For optimal results, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. This leaves you plenty of time to enjoy your standard meals, though you may need to modify your eating schedule and refrain from a lot of snacking to make it work.
While it may take you a bit of time to adjust, you’ll find that eating with Invisalign is simple and convenient.
Cleaning Your Aligners
The easiest way to maintain your aligners is to remove and clean them every morning when you wake up and every night when you go to bed. You can do this by soaking your trays or lightly brushing them with a mild soap.
Additionally, it’s important to brush your teeth after meals to remove any leftover bacteria before putting your aligners back in.
We also recommend using the Invisalign Cleaning System. This method involves placing your aligners in a case filled with warm water and cleaning crystals. Gently shake the case for 20 seconds to activate the crystals, let your aligners soak for 15 minutes, then gently shake for another 20 seconds and rinse off your aligners.
Common Mistakes
Unfortunately, some of our patients have damaged their aligners by not following care instructions. To avoid wasting your time and money, please keep the following tips in mind:
- Don’t eat or drink with your aligners in (except water)
- Don’t put your aligners back in after eating until you’ve brushed your teeth
- Don’t use toothpaste, mouthwash, or any type of rough or colored soap on your aligners
- Don’t remove your aligners for more than 4 hours per day
- Don’t leave your aligners unprotected when you’re not wearing them
Ask Dr. Grussmark for Invisalign Care Tips
As the only Diamond-Plus Invisalign provider in Dade County, Dr. Grussmark has the experience to ensure your treatment runs smoothly. If you follow his advice, you can achieve the flawless smile you desire in no time at all.
Call our practice at 305-842-3672 and schedule your free Invisalign consultation with Dr. Grussmark. We look forward to meeting you.
Frequently Asked Questions
I dropped my aligners in an unsanitary place. Do I need to sterilize them after I clean them?
Yes! It’s crucial to always ensure that your aligners are clean and hygienic before placing them in your mouth. You can use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals to assist in keeping your aligners clean, hygienic, and clear – they even help remove plaque. Remember, don’t use hot water at any time on your aligners as this could permanently damage them.
What should I do if I lose or break an aligner?
If you lose or break one of your clear aligners, contact us immediately. Dr. Grussmark will work with you to ensure you stay on track with your treatment plan, which may involve wearing a previous set of your aligners, your next set, or ordering replacements.
If I have food residue in my mouth when I put my aligners back in, can they become stained?
Yes. This is why it’s crucial to always thoroughly brush your teeth after every meal before placing your aligners back in your mouth. This ensures that your oral hygiene stays in good shape and won’t cause your Invisalign aligners to become stained from leftover food residue.