If you’re looking into effective ways to straighten your teenager’s smile, Invisalign® is a popular option. These virtually invisible aligners gradually and discreetly shift teeth, which is why they’re often preferred over traditional metal braces. However, they do require maintenance, so your teen will need to follow these best practices to ensure the treatment works.

Do:

Remove aligners when eating.

Unlike conventional orthodontic solutions, Invisalign doesn’t restrict any foods during treatment. However, your teen should remove the trays before consuming foods and certain beverages. Hard foods like pretzels and acidic beverages can crack or abrade the aligners.

Brush and floss teeth before wearing Invisalign.

Another perk of Invisalign is that your teen’s dental care doesn’t become cumbersome since the trays are removable. After eating or drinking, they should brush and floss their teeth before replacing the aligners. Good oral hygiene will not only improve dental health, but also keep aligners in optimal shape because leftover food won’t stick to the trays and harm them.

Don’t:

Use toothpaste to clean the aligners.

Many kinds of toothpaste, like products that contain whitening agents, can wear down the trays. Additionally, small crevices can develop from the abrasion, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to form. Instead, your teen should use the cleaning solution their dentist recommends.

Forget to store Invisalign in its container.

Because your teen sometimes needs to remove the trays, it can be easy to set them down and forget about them, which could lead to lost or damaged aligners. When your teenager eats, drinks, or brushes their teeth, they should store the aligners in a case for safekeeping.

If your teen is ready for Invisalign, bring them to Honolulu Keiki Dental in Hawaii. Their dentist, Dr. Dean T. Sueda, DDS, MS, has been voted the best pediatric dentist in Hawaii since 2009. Discover more about how Invisalign can improve your teenager’s smile online, or call (808) 944-1603 to schedule an appointment.