When it comes to achieving a straighter smile with Invisalign, knowing the dos and don’ts of Invisalign is key, especially for our Liverpool patients looking for top results.
Invisalign aligners offer a discreet and flexible way to improve your smile, but to make the most out of this treatment, a few simple rules make all the difference.
So, in this article, we’ll cover 15 essential tips to help you care for your aligners and ensure a smooth, effective journey to straighter teeth.
For Invisalign to work its magic, it’s crucial to wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day. This may sound like a long time, but consistency is what drives results.
Only take them out for meals, snacks, and cleaning. If you’re committed to achieving a straighter smile as quickly as possible, sticking to the recommended wear time is essential.
Missing hours here and there may seem harmless, but it can delay your treatment timeline.
One of the common questions we get from patients is, “Can you eat with Invisalign?” The answer is no –always remove your aligners before eating.
While Invisalign aligners are durable, they’re not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing, and eating with them in can lead to cracks or stains.
Even soft foods can cause slight warping, which impacts the fit and effectiveness of the aligners. To protect your aligners, always remove them, place them safely in their case, and enjoy your meals without worry.
This simple step can keep your aligners intact and clean, helping you stay on track with your treatment.
Good oral hygiene becomes even more crucial with Invisalign. Before popping your aligners back in after a meal, make sure to brush your teeth.
Food particles and bacteria left on your teeth can get trapped by the aligners, increasing the risk of decay and plaque build-up.
Carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste if you’re out and about in Liverpool – it’s a small but powerful step that keeps your teeth fresh and your aligners clear.
Keeping your aligners fresh is crucial, and a daily soak can do wonders.
Soaking your aligners in a specialised Invisalign cleaning solution or a denture cleaner removes bacteria and keeps them looking clear and odour-free.
Just pop them in for 15-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and they’re ready to go!
This step not only keeps your aligners fresh but also prevents any lingering buildup from affecting your oral health. It’s a quick and easy way to maintain cleanliness while keeping your smile on track.
While Invisalign does most of the work aligning your teeth, regular dental cleanings are essential to keep your mouth in top condition.
These cleanings help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which is especially important when using aligners, as they can sometimes trap bacteria.
We recommend scheduling cleanings with us at Primadent Clinic during your Invisalign treatment – our Liverpool team is here to help ensure your teeth stay healthy and bright throughout your journey.
Always keep your aligners in their dedicated case whenever they’re out of your mouth.
Leaving them loose in a bag or wrapped in tissue can lead to accidental loss or damage (not to mention it’s easy to mistake them for trash!).
By using the Invisalign case, you protect your aligners from dirt, damage, and even pets. This habit ensures that when it’s time to put them back in, your aligners are clean, intact, and ready for another round of teeth-straightening.
More than ever, you need to practice good oral hygiene when on your Invisalign treatment. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
When aligners are worn for most of the day, any plaque or bacteria on your teeth can build up quickly.
So, make it a habit to clean your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in. Sticking to a regular hygiene routine is key to avoiding complications like cavities or gum irritation during your treatment.
If you have travel plans, it’s wise to consider your Invisalign tray change schedule.
Changing trays on the road isn’t difficult, but you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need, including the next set of aligners.
Pack them in a secure case and bring your cleaning supplies to stay on track.
If your trip falls around a tray change date, you may want to switch a day early or late if necessary, but always consult with us beforehand.
Remember this post is about the dos and don’ts of Invisalign? So, now that you know some things you should do when on your treatment, let’s consider some things you may want to stay away from for the best results with your treatment.
Chewing gum and Invisalign are simply not a good match. Gum can stick to the aligners, creating a mess that’s tough to clean and may even damage the material.
If you’re a gum lover, be sure to remove your aligners before chewing and then rinse your mouth afterward.
While it’s tempting to grab whatever soap is nearby to clean your aligners, coloured or scented soaps can stain or leave a lingering taste.
Instead, stick to clear, unscented soap or dedicated aligner cleaning solutions. Harsh chemicals or dyes can alter the appearance of your aligners, making them look less discreet and leaving a taste you don’t want in your mouth.
Keeping your aligners clean with safe products helps maintain their clarity and freshness.
Invisalign treatment requires you to wear your aligners for the majority of the day, which means you’ll need to plan your meals and snacks accordingly.
Constant snacking or sipping coffee throughout the day means you’re either leaving your aligners out for extended periods or risking stains on the aligners if you leave them in.
Try to stick to set meal times and limit snacks and coffee breaks. If you do indulge, remember to remove your aligners, rinse your mouth, and brush if possible before putting them back in.
This habit will help keep both your aligners and teeth in top condition.
Your aligners are designed to fit snugly and work efficiently at room temperature. Leaving them exposed to air for extended periods can lead to bacterial buildup, while exposure to heat can cause them to warp.
Whether it’s hot drinks, hot water, or even placing them near a heat source, all of these can alter the shape of your aligners.
So, always store them in their case when they’re not in use and avoid rinsing them with hot water.
Smoking can lead to yellowed or stained aligners, which defeats one of the great benefits of Invisalign – their near-invisibility.
Tobacco not only discolours the aligners but can also increase the risk of plaque and bacteria buildup in your mouth.
If you’re a smoker, try to remove your aligners before smoking, but remember that doing so cuts into your daily wear time.
Limiting or quitting smoking during treatment can help keep your aligners clear, your treatment on track, and your smile looking bright.
Sugary and sticky foods can be rough on your teeth even without aligners, but with Invisalign, it’s best to be extra cautious.
These types of foods can lead to tooth decay if left on your teeth when you put your aligners back in. Plus, sticky residues can make it harder to maintain proper hygiene. Whenever you indulge, remember to brush and floss thoroughly before wearing your aligners again.
Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are crucial to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. Skipping or delaying appointments can mean missing important adjustments or catching potential issues early.
At Primadent, we work closely with our Liverpool patients to track your progress and make any necessary tweaks.
Keeping your scheduled appointments ensures your treatment stays on course, helping you achieve your desired smile as quickly and effectively as possible.
Now, you have the dos and don’ts of Invisalign treatment. By following them, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible results on your journey to a beautifully aligned smile.
Remember, at Primadent, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Whether you have questions about Invisalign, tips for keeping your aligners clean, or solutions for misaligned teeth, our team is ready to help.
With over 10 years of experience in providing expert orthodontic care in Liverpool, you can trust us to guide you toward a confident, healthier smile.
Don’t hesitate to reach out – your perfect smile is just a call away!
Can Invisalign affect your taste buds?
Invisalign aligners are designed to be comfortable and minimally invasive, so they shouldn’t affect your taste buds directly.
However, some patients notice a slight change in taste when they first start wearing aligners, often due to adjusting to the new material in the mouth. This sensation is temporary and usually fades within a few days.
Why do my Invisalign trays taste strange?
A strange taste can occur if aligners aren’t cleaned thoroughly or if they’ve been exposed to certain foods or drinks.
Make sure to clean your trays daily using a gentle, clear soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals to keep them fresh. If you notice a lingering taste, soaking them for a few minutes in a cleaning solution can help.
What happens when Invisalign trays get damaged?
Damaged trays can affect your treatment progress, so it’s essential to address any cracks or breaks quickly. If you notice damage to your aligners, contact us right away. We’ll assess whether you need a replacement tray or if you can move on to the next one in your sequence.
How long after getting Invisalign can I eat?
One of the perks of Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners to eat right away. Just be sure to take them out before eating any food and brush your teeth before putting them back in. There’s no specific waiting time to eat after getting Invisalign.
What is the price of Invisalign in Liverpool?
The cost of the treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the duration of the treatment. At Primadent, we offer competitive pricing and flexible payment plans to make Invisalign accessible.
For a personalized quote, feel free to contact us or book a consultation to discuss your treatment options.
Back to blogs
