Invisalign is an FDA-approved treatment that can effectively straighten teeth with a series of clear aligners. It is an alternative to braces that uses clear aligner trays to move your teeth gradually. The aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means most people won’t even know you’re wearing them. Instead of wires and brackets, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to shift your teeth into place. When you visit us, our dentist in Arizona will create a customized treatment plan based on your needs.

Here are a few tips if you are new to Invisalign:

Use and Care for Your Aligners

Your Invisalign aligners are removable. While you need to wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours every day, removing them to eat and brush your teeth is a normal part of caring for them.

Since Invisalign is made of clear plastic, you can safely clean them with a toothbrush and mild soap. Clean your aligners every time that you brush your teeth, and soak them for a few minutes in a mix of water and isopropyl alcohol once a week to remove more bacteria.

While your aligners are removable, you should wear them as much as possible. Removing them may mean that your teeth fall out of alignment, which is counterproductive to straightening.

Remove While Eating

You can take out your aligners when eating. Simply remove them, eat, and put them back in. While you can take them out, you should only do so when eating and brushing. Leaving them out for long periods of time can jeopardize your treatment.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Daily

Practice proper dental hygiene with Invisalign aligners. Although you can remove the aligners to brush and floss, you still need to brush and floss your teeth daily. This is the best way to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

You should floss your teeth at least once per day. It can be difficult with Invisalign aligners on your teeth. However, you can still floss your teeth effectively. Use an interdental brush or floss threader to floss underneath your aligners.

Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks

Foods that contain sticky sugars, like hard candy or caramel, can pull off the aligners or cover them with film. This makes it more difficult for saliva to break down food particles. Therefore, it is best to avoid sugary foods and drinks when you have Invisalign aligners in.

See Your Dentist for Regular Check-ups and Adjustments

Wearing Invisalign aligners doesn’t exempt you from seeing your dentist for regular visits. In fact, these appointments are even more important. Your dentist will monitor your progress and make sure you’re on the right path toward better oral health. They will also make sure your aligners fit correctly and suggest a new set of aligners.