Congratulations on starting your journey towards a confident smile with Invisalign! While these clear aligners are fantastic for straightening your teeth, they require some care and attention, especially regarding eating and drinking.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to effectively maintaining your aligners while enjoying your meals.
1. Remove Your Aligners
The first and foremost rule when eating or drinking anything other than water is to remove your Invisalign aligners. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign in Saskatoon allows you to take them out before eating, making mealtime much more convenient.
2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing your teeth is essential before putting your aligners back in after eating or drinking. Food particles trapped between your teeth and aligners can cause bacterial buildup and increase the risk of cavities.
A quick brush and rinse will ensure your teeth and aligners stay clean.
3. Avoid Hot Beverages
While Invisalign are durable, exposing them to hot beverages like coffee or tea can warp or damage them. Stick to cold or lukewarm drinks to maintain the shape and effectiveness of your aligners.
4. Say No to Coloured or Sugary Drinks
Coloured drinks like soda, fruit juice, or sports drinks can stain your aligners. Additionally, sugary beverages can lead to plaque buildup, which may contribute to cavities or aligner damage. Opt for water whenever possible, as it not only keeps your aligners clean but also keeps you hydrated.
5. Minimize Snacking
Frequent snacking throughout the day can lead to constantly removing and inserting your aligners, potentially affecting their efficacy. Try to stick to your meal schedule and minimize snacking to maintain the recommended 20–22 hours of wear time per day.
6. Carry a Travel Case
Always carry your aligner case with you. After removing your aligners, store them in their case to avoid misplacing or damaging them. It’s a handy way to keep them safe while you eat or drink.
7. Rinse Your Aligners
After eating, rinse your aligners with water before putting them back in your mouth. It helps remove any food particles or residue, keeping your aligners clean and your mouth fresh.
8. Stick to Soft Foods
When you eat while wearing aligners, stick to soft, easily chewable foods to prevent damage to your aligners. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that might bend or break your aligners.
9. Don’t Forget to Wear Them
Once you’ve finished eating or drinking, don’t forget to put your aligners back in. Consistency is key to achieving your desired results, so wear them for the recommended daily hours.
10. Regularly Clean Your Aligners
Besides rinsing, regularly clean your aligners with a clear antibacterial soap or the cleaning crystals provided by your dentist. It helps to remove any buildup and keeps them clear and virtually invisible.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your Invisalign aligners while eating and drinking isn’t complicated, but it requires mindfulness and adherence to the recommended guidelines. Following these simple steps ensures that your aligners stay clean, functional, and effective throughout your treatment.
Remember, consistency and proper care are key to achieving the best results from your Invisalign treatment. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to consult your dentist in Saskatoon. Keep up the great work on your journey to a beautiful smile!
Lakewood Dental Not Only Offers Aligners But Also Guides You For Maintaining Them
At Lakewood Dental, the commitment extends beyond providing top-tier aligners; it encompasses comprehensive guidance on their maintenance. Beyond offering aligners, their expert team ensures patients understand the nuances of care.
They empower individuals with thorough instructions on effectively removing, cleaning, and wearing aligners. Additionally, the clinic emphasizes oral hygiene practices, reinforcing the importance of brushing, flossing, and rinsing before reinserting aligners.
Lakewood Dental’s holistic approach doesn’t just straighten teeth; it fosters a culture of meticulous care, enabling patients to optimize their treatment outcomes and embrace a confident smile with informed and attentive aligner maintenance.