Invisalign® is one of the most convenient and effective ways to straighten crooked teeth, align your bite, and beautify your smile. But to get the best results, you need to follow the care instructions closely. Here are some of the most important things to know about the treatment process.

Do:

Wear it as much as possible.

Unlike braces, your Invisalign aligners can be removed freely. But the more you wear them, the more quickly they'll do their job. Only take them out for necessary tasks like eating, for no more than a couple of hours each day.

Keep it clean.

Your aligners can accumulate a residue of plaque and other materials over time, so cleaning them protects your teeth. Rinse them when you take them out, and gently brush. Don’t use toothpaste, which is abrasive and can damage them. Instead, let the trays soak in a specialized cleaning solution to eliminate any buildup.

Follow up with your orthodontist.

Realigning your teeth is a process that needs monitoring to ensure it's going well. Check in with your orthodontist at least every six weeks and share any concerns you have, including discomfort or issues with the aligners.

Don't:

Be reckless.

When you're handling your aligners, don't bend or drop them, and don't push or pull too sharply when removing them and putting them on. They can crack, damaging their effectiveness. You should also avoid leaving them exposed. If they’re not in your mouth or soaking in a cleaning solution, the trays should be in a case to avoid bacteria buildup.

Try to rush.

The Invisalign treatment process uses a series of aligners, each of which is slightly different from the previous one and needs to be worn for two weeks. Don't try to skip ahead in your treatment; the plan is designed to move your teeth slowly and safely. Rushing it can cause major discomfort or even misalign your teeth further.

If you're interested in Invisalign to improve your smile, contact Dr. Deborah L. Schafer, DDS, MS in Wayland, NY. For over 25 years, Dr. Schafer has offered advanced, efficient teeth straightening for both children and adults in Steuben County. She focuses on improving both your health and your confidence by aligning teeth and treating conditions like bruxism. To schedule a visit, call (585) 728-3830 or send a message online.