What to avoid during Invisalign Treatment

What to Avoid During Invisalign Treatment

Gone are the days when traditional metal braces were the only option for straightening teeth. Invisalign, a clear aligner treatment, has revolutionized the dental field and is becoming an increasingly popular choice among adults and teens looking for a discreet way to straighten their teeth.

At Montgomery Family Dental, we take pride in our personalized and compassionate approach to dentistry, and we want to make sure our patients understand the importance of following certain guidelines during their Invisalign treatment to ensure its effectiveness.

Here’s a list of things you should not do during your Invisalign treatment:

1. Don’t Eat or Drink with Your Invisalign Aligners in Your Mouth

We understand that it can be tempting to eat or drink while wearing your aligners, but it's crucial to remove them before consuming anything. Eating or drinking with your aligners can cause damage to the aligners and can lead to staining or discoloration.

Additionally, food particles can become trapped between the aligners and your teeth, putting you at risk for cavities and other oral health issues.

So, make sure to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything, especially hard and sticky food, and always use a straw to drink liquids.

2. Don’t Chew Gum

Chewing gum can cause your aligners to warp or become misshapen, which can affect the overall effectiveness of your treatment. Additionally, the sticky nature of gum can make it difficult to remove from your aligners, which can also cause damage.

3. Don’t Forget to Brush

Invisalign aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, which can make it easier for food particles and bacteria to become trapped. Brushing your teeth regularly and cleaning your aligners can help prevent cavities and keep your aligners in great shape.

So, make sure to brush your teeth before inserting your aligners and after removing them. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild toothpaste. Avoid using toothpaste with harsh chemicals or abrasives that can scratch the aligners.

Also, use an interdental brush or dental floss to clean the area between the aligners and your teeth to remove any food particles or plaque.

4. Don’t Rush the Treatment

Invisalign treatment can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete. During this time, you'll be required to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. This may seem like a long time and you may be tempted to rush the treatment, but it's important to be patient and stick to the treatment plan prescribed.

Remember, the aligners are designed to move your teeth gradually and it takes time for your teeth to adjust to the new position.

Skipping appointments, not wearing the aligners as directed, or not following through with the recommended treatment plan can cause treatment to take longer, require additional appointments, and affect the overall outcome and effectiveness of the treatment. Just be patient and trust the process.

There you have it---four things to avoid during Invisalign treatment to ensure its effectiveness. Adhere to these guidelines and you'll be on your way to a successful and efficient treatment.

If you’re in Marysville, OH, and ready to take the first step towards your dream smile, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Marysville dentist Dr. Katie Montgomery. She'll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and guide you through every step of the process. Don't wait any longer, schedule an appointment today!