Invisalign Clear Aligners | Upper East Side Manhattan, New York City
You have just decided to straighten your teeth and go with Invisalign Clear Aligners on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. So, how do you take care of Invisalign, you ask? It all comes down to practicing your new routines each day.
Please don’t get nervous about adjusting your life – there’s no need to worry. Follow Dr. Hung’s eight tips, and you’ll be on your way toward a straight and healthy smile.
#1 Wear Your Clear Aligners
It’s actually easier to neglect this step than you might think. You should wear your aligner at least 22 hours per day, taking them out only to eat, drink and clean them.
As your teeth straighten, you may lose the urgency to wear your aligners as prescribed, leading to a longer Invisalign treatment time. Get in the habit early and keep wearing those aligners.
#2 Change Your Trays on Time
Every two weeks or so, a new set of aligners is given to move your teeth a bit more than the previous set. You’ll have a brand new smile by the time you get your last set of aligners.
Your orthodontic treatment is a pretty precise schedule. Although it’s not guaranteed, Dr Hung will give you an approximate date when you may finish. It helps to change your trays on time to keep pace and aim for your projected end date.
#3 Keep Your Old Aligners
Some people toss away their old Invisalign clear aligners when they move on to the next set. Dr. Hung recommends keeping the last set of aligners if, by chance, you lose your current aligners. You’ll protect your progress by wearing the old trays while waiting for your orthodontist to replace your current pair.
#4 Good Oral Hygiene
Wearing aligners can increase the chances of harmful bacteria building up in your mouth. The best way to combat this is to have good oral health. So brush your teeth at least twice daily and remember to floss.
#5 Clean Your Aligners
Toothpaste and mouthwash are standard bathroom items. These products are great for cleaning teeth but not for clear aligners. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch thermoplastic. Your toothbrush bristles will worsen these scratches by changing from clear aligners to cloudy and noticeable ones.
Don’t soak your clear aligners in mouthwash, as it contains colorants that risk staining your aligners.
#6 Remove Your Aligners
Remove your clear aligners before eating and drinking to avoid bacterial buildup. Bacteria leads to bad breath and food trapped in your aligners.
Dark beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can stain your aligners over time. So take them out for everything but water.
#7 Rinse Regularly
Rinse your aligners often throughout the day. Rinsing removes any lingering particles that could contribute to bad breath and discoloration.
#8 Protect Your Aligners
Please do not keep your trays in a napkin while eating. It often leads to them landing in the wastebasket. Have a hard case on hand to hold your aligners when you take them out to protect them from damage or accidentally being thrown away.
See Us For Invisalign Clear Aligners | Upper East Side Manhattan
If you have crowded teeth, an open bite, or bigger spaces than you like and don’t want the hassle of traditional metal braces, then Invisalign clear aligner treatment is the way to go. Invisalign works just as well as traditional braces to move your teeth to the correct position with no metal in sight. Call Rock Center Orthodontist on the Upper East Side of Manhattan to schedule an initial appointment.