If you’re interested in orthodontics in Canada, but you’d like to avoid wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a great alternative.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic “aligners”, which are shaped like retainers. Using these aligners, you can shift your teeth into a better position, ultimately resulting in a straighter, more attractive smile. Because Invisalign is more comfortable, convenient, and less noticeable compared to braces, it’s a top choice for adults who are interested in Winnipeg orthodontics, Canada.
But Invisalign does have a few quirks that you should be aware of, whether you’re just thinking about getting Invisalign, or you’ve already started your treatment program. To explain these, we’ve put together a list of the top 4 things you should NEVER do while you’re wearing Invisalign. Let’s get into it.
1. Don’t Wear Your Aligners For Less Than 22 Hours Per Day
Invisalign is designed to be worn for 22 hours per day, at the very least. Ideally, you’ll want to wear your aligners for longer than 22 hours per day, only removing them to clean your teeth or the aligners, and to eat and drink.
With Invisalign, you’re responsible for your own orthodontic treatment. That means that if you start wearing your aligners less, you could end up prolonging your treatment time, which will cost you quite a bit of time and money.
So be responsible. Follow your dentist’s instructions, and wear your aligners as much as you can.
2. Don’t Drink Anything (Except Water) And Don’t Eat Anything While Wearing Aligners
You can feel free to drink water while wearing your aligners. But for any other beverage, or for any kind of food at all, you need to remove your aligners.
There are several reasons for this. First, highly pigmented foods, and beverages such as coffee, tea or wine can stain your aligners permanently – making them highly visible.
In addition, chewing any kind of food, particularly hard foods, puts stress on your aligners as they press against your teeth. This can cause irreparable cracks and damage to the plastic material, which will require you to get a new set of aligners, and will prolong your treatment time.
So drink all the water you want. But for your morning coffee or that lunchtime meal with friends, pop out your aligners until you’re done eating or drinking. Otherwise, they could be damaged.
3. Don’t Damage Your Aligners By Removing Them Carelessly
Be careful when handling your aligners to remove them and store them, or clean them. Use both hands to pop the aligner out of place, and always put it somewhere safe and secure, such as a dedicated storage container.
The plastic used for Invisalign is quite strong, but can still be damaged by improper handling, or if the aligner is dropped or otherwise damaged. So be careful when removing your aligners, and handle them properly.
4. Don’t Forget To Clean Your Aligners (And Your Teeth) Properly
One huge benefit of Invisalign, compared to braces, is that it’s much easier to take care of your teeth. There are no brackets, wires, or rubber bands that get in the way of brushing.
So make sure to brush at least twice per day, and floss once per day, to preserve your oral health. This is very important when wearing Invisalign, because if you have high levels of oral bacteria, your aligners will hold them in place against your teeth, which can result in tooth decay.
In addition, you need to clean your aligners at least once per day. We recommend doing so at night. Don’t use toothpaste, as the abrasive materials will damage the plastic. Instead, use an antibacterial soap that rinses away cleanly, and clean your aligners with warm water. Do not use hot water, as this could warp your aligners.
Avoid These Common Mistakes – And Get The Orthodontic Care You Need!
Invisalign is a great choice for orthodontics in Canada. And with these helpful tips, as well as instructions from your dentist, you’ll be able to avoid the common issues that face new Invisalign patients, and ensure that your treatment goes off without a hitch.