If you’ve decided to straighten your teeth using Invisalign®, the final results will depend on your commitment to the process. To ensure a stunning smile, follow these do’s and don’ts over the course of your treatment. 

Do:

Wear the aligners as instructed. 

For optimal results, patients are usually instructed to wear their aligners for 22 hours a day. If you wear yours for any less than that—or skip the occasional day—it will extend the total duration of your treatment. 

Keep brushing and flossing. 

Don’t neglect your teeth, tongue, or gums once you start wearing the aligners. Although they surround the teeth, the aligners don't actually protect them from staining or decay. As such, you must continue brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day. 

Don’t:

Eat while wearing the aligners. 

Unlike traditional braces, aligners slip off the teeth easily, so you don't have to limit your diet during treatment. Just make sure to remove them before eating because chewing can damage them.

You should also avoid drinking anything but water when wearing the aligners because beverages can stain them, especially coffee and wine. 

Clean the aligners with toothpaste. 

Traditional toothpaste—while effective at cleaning enamel—is too abrasive for the plastic in aligners. If you clean the aligners with toothpaste, they will become scratched and dull, which will make them more noticeable when you wear them.

Instead, soak them in a gentle denture cleaner whenever you remove them. This will help keep bacteria at bay. 

To see if you're a good candidate for Invisalign®, turn to Waterford Dental Health. Located in New London County, CT, this practice is committed to helping patients achieve smiles that are as healthy as they are beautiful. Backed by decades of experience in the field, their dentists are equipped to perform a broad range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures on site. To learn more about the Invisalign® treatment, visit their website. To schedule a consultation, call (860) 447-2235.