Invisalign Clear Braces Dos and Don’ts

Invisalign clear braces in Clapham are a cutting-edge orthodontic treatment, offering clear removable trays as an alternative to the traditional fixed wire and bracket design. Invisalign is a discreet, removable aligner, that is crafted to fit your mouth, however, they need looking after.

Here are some essential Invisalign dos and don’ts to make sure you get the most out of your clear braces.

Do: Wear your clear braces for 20-22 hours a day

Like all braces, Invisalign clear aligners work by applying consistent pressure to your teeth. Invisalign is designed to be removable, but to be effective they need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day. The closer you can get to 22 hours, the better.

Do: Treat your Invisalign trays harshly

If you use abrasive or coloured cleaning products, you are likely to scratch or discolour the aligners, making them more noticeable when you wear them. We advise using a clear, gentle cleanser, and a dedicated, soft toothbrush.

Do: Soak your Invisalign trays each day

Even the healthiest mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, so remember to soak your trays in Invisalign crystals or a denture cleaner. After they’ve finished soaking, clean them with a soft, dedicated toothbrush to remove any lingering debris and rinse them again before putting them back in.

Do: Brush your teeth after every meal or snack

Fragments of food that remain between the invisible aligners and your teeth will lead to rapid tooth decay. Always remove the aligners when eating or drinking, and brush your teeth before putting them back in.

Don’t: Expose your aligners to heat

Excessive heat can warp your Invisalign trays, so stick to lukewarm water when washing them. Avoid leaving them on radiators or other hot surfaces for the same reason. Hot drinks can also warp your aligners, negatively impacting your trays’ effectiveness.

Don’t: Smoke

There are dozens of reasons to quit smoking, including the impact it has on your aligners and/or the effectiveness of your treatment. If you forget to remove them when smoking your clear aligners trays will quickly become discoloured, but if you remove them throughout the day to have a smoke you might not meet the 20-22 hour wearing requirement. Why not take advantage of the moment and quit smoking today?

Don’t: Leave your aligners out of their Invisalign case 

The Invisalign case is shaped to house and protect your aligners, so if you remove them, don’t just put them on the side where they might get dirty or lost, or maybe even seized by an excited pet. Use the case every time as part of a consistent routine.

Don’t: Eat or drink without removing your aligners

You can become warped or damaged by the mechanics of chewing, and eating and drinking with aligners will discolour the trays. We recommend developing a fixed routine that allows for proper hygiene and care of your invisible aligners in Clapham.

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Want to discuss Invisalign further?

Contact us online or call our friendly team to find out more about invisible aligners in Clapham, on 020 7622 5333.

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