5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Invisalign Treatment

More than 19 million Americans, including more than 5 million teens, have used Invisalign® clear aligners to correct alignment issues, such as crooked and crowded teeth and bite abnormalities. Treatment is more discreet than metal braces while providing similar results. However, to benefit from treatment, you must follow certain guidelines.

At Willow Glen Dental Center in San Jose, California, our caring team regularly prescribes Invisalign treatment to teens and adults. Keep reading for 5 simple tips that support a smooth, hassle-free treatment process. 

What is Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using clear, plastic aligners instead of brackets, wires, and rubber bands, like traditional braces.

You wear your aligners for 22 hours daily, only removing them to eat, brush, and floss. Over time, they help move your teeth into the proper position, improving your smile’s appearance and oral health.

5 tips for streamlining Invisalign treatment

Invisalign aligners do the hard work of straightening your teeth, but following certain precautions is essential for the best results. These 5 steps can make all the difference:

1. Wear your aligners as directed

Most people receive two sets of Invisalign aligners, one for their upper teeth and the other for their lower teeth. Wear both sets all day, except when eating or performing routine oral hygiene. Failing to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day can slow your progress and keep your teeth from moving into the proper position. 

2. Clean your aligners regularly

Invisalign aligners collect plaque — a mixture of bacteria, saliva, and food particles — just like your teeth. This may not seem like a big deal, but if the buildup accumulates, it can affect your aligners’ efficacy and cause your teeth to appear brown or yellow.

Rinse your aligners in cool tap water whenever you remove them, and ask our team about Invisalign crystals for more thorough cleaning.

3. Avoid eating and drinking with your aligners

If you’re in a hurry, it can be tempting to eat a quick snack or drink a cup of coffee with your aligners in. However, this can damage or stain them and interfere with the treatment process. Although it takes a little extra effort, always remove your aligners before eating a meal, having a snack, or drinking anything other than water.

4. Address issues with fit as soon as possible

After you start Invisalign treatment, it’s normal to experience mild soreness in your upper and lower jaw, but this should subside within a few days. If wearing your aligners is painful, or they don’t fit snugly, contact us immediately. We can adjust the fit to make them more comfortable and ensure they move your teeth as intended.

5. Keep your aligners in a protective case

You may need to remove your Invisalign aligners several times daily. When you do, place them inside a protective case. Although the aligners are tough and made of durable plastic, dropping them or handling them roughly can cause damage, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Schedule an Invisalign consultation today!

If you’ve been avoiding orthodontic treatment because of worries about braces, consider an effective alternative like Invisalign. Contact Willow Glen Dental Center today to get started. Call the office, or send us a message.