The beginning of your Invisalign treatment can be a bit overwhelming. After all, transitioning to life with braces can be quite an adjustment! With that said, it’s important that you follow the guidelines your dentist gives you so you don’t fall off-track with your treatment plan, adding weeks or months onto the backend of your treatment. To help, here are a few key do’s and don’ts of Invisalign!
Don’t Drink Coffee with Your Aligners In
One of the “rules” of Invisalign is that you must remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, including coffee. Why? To start, the tannins in this beverage can stain your aligners, resulting in them turning yellow. Furthermore, hot coffee can warp your trays, which means they won’t effectively guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions.
Do Store Your Trays in Their Designated Case
When you do remove your aligners – whether it’s to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or to eat a meal – make sure that you store them properly in their designated case. If you wrap them in a napkin or leave them out on the counter instead, then there’s a chance that they will accidentally get thrown away, which brings your teeth-straightening journey to a temporary stop.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals to Clean Your Aligners
It’s common for patients to over-complicate the cleaning process by using harsh products, like mouthwash. However, you really only need three things to keep your aligners clean and clear: lukewarm water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit.
Do Brush and Floss Your Teeth After Each Meal
As you progress in your series of trays, you might find that you develop a few bad habits, like not brushing and flossing your teeth after each meal. This might not seem like a big deal at first, but it’s a practice that dramatically increases your chances of tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health concerns. So, make sure you always clean your teeth (and your aligners!) after you’re done eating.
Don’t Eat Added Sugar in Excess
Since Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions, many patients assume that they can eat whatever they’d like. However, it’s still important to follow a well-balanced diet that is low in added sugar. After all, this sweetener is one of the leading causes of cavities, and oral health conditions like these need to be treated before you can progress further in your Invisalign treatment.
About the Doctor
For Dr. Ron Sherman staying abreast of the latest techniques and technology in the field of dentistry is extremely important. That’s why he has continued to expand his skills even after earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh! Over the last 30+ years, he has used his extensive education and training to help countless patients achieve their healthiest, happiest smiles. So, if you have a question for him about Invisalign, don’t hesitate to visit his website or call (425) 391-4964.