Even if you did a lot of research upfront, there’s a good chance that you’ll learn something new once the teeth-straightening process begins. For many patients, it’s the 20+ hour-a-day wear-time with Invisalign. This guideline isn’t arbitrary either – it’s crucial to staying on-track with your treatment plan! If you’re having trouble meeting the mark, then read on to learn some helpful tips.
#1. Only Remove Your Aligners When Absolutely Necessary
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, patients often assume that they can take them off whenever they want. That’s not the case. In fact, it’s quite the opposite: you should be selective about when you remove them. Basically, you should only do so before eating a meal or snack, drinking something other than water, or completing your dental care regimen.
#2. Use the Timer on Your Phone
Without a timer, you’ll be left to simply guess how close or far you are from the mark. That’s why it’s important to use the one on your phone or the one on the Invisalign app as a guide! You can also set reminders throughout the day so you don’t forget to put them back on after enjoying your breakfast in the morning or brushing your teeth at night.
#3. Don’t Wait to Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Prior to getting braces, you might have waited an hour or two to brush your teeth after eating. That’s not a good habit to get into with Invisalign. Instead, you should clean your teeth and your aligners immediately after so you cut down on your aligner-free time throughout the day.
Important note: Do not use hot water to clean your aligners; this can cause them to warp!
#4. Multi-Task When You Can
Do you like drinking tea in the morning? Maybe you enjoy sipping on soda in the afternoon for a bit of energy. Whatever the case may be, it’s best to enjoy beverages like these with a meal instead of separately. After all, you need to remove your aligners before drinking anything other than water! So, this small tweak can go a long way in helping you meet the 20+ hour-a-day goal.
#5. Start Your New Set of Trays Right Before Bed
Like many other patients, you might be tempted to take your trays out when your teeth are sore. Since this can quickly cut into your aligner-free time, try something else: switching to a new set of aligners right before bed. That way, you sleep through the initial adjustment period.
About the Practice
Simply Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is proud to offer Invisalign, allowing patients in Nashua to straighten their teeth without noticeable metal brackets and wires. We take pride in being an ongoing resource for our patients as well – whether they need help with an orthodontic emergency or they have a question about life with clear aligners. If you want to start the teeth-straightening process, then schedule a consultation with us via our website or by phone at (603) 880-5002.