During your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps to properly care for your aligners. This will help keep your Invisalign results on track and prevent issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Following these instructions can make your Invisalign treatment a real success.

Dos for Invisalign Care

When you start Invisalign in Santa Clara, Dr. Kavneet Bindra will provide complete instructions to care for your aligners. These are the general steps you’ll have to follow during your treatment.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Daily cleaning is an essential part of your Invisalign treatment. Luckily, it is also a straightforward process that makes taking care of aligners during your Invisalign treatment easy.

Invisalign cleaning crystals can be dissolved in a cup of lukewarm water to allow your aligners to soak for about 15 minutes. After that, gently brush them off with a soft-bristled toothbrush and give them a good rinse.

Dr. Bindra reminds her patients, “Regular cleaning of your Invisalign aligners is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a critical step in preventing the accumulation of harmful bacteria. Neglecting this aspect of your treatment could increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.”

Always Rinse Before Putting Your Aligners Back In

Wearing your aligners consistently is essential for good results, but you will take them out briefly to eat or drink. Make sure to rinse your aligners before putting them back in to prevent the spread of bacteria or anything else you’d rather not have in your mouth.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is always good for oral health, as it supports saliva production that helps manage bacteria levels. It’s even more important during Invisalign treatment, as the aligners provide additional surfaces for bacteria to take hold, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Brush and Floss

Don’t let the change in your routine make you think that brushing and flossing are any less important. You should keep up with your regular routine, simply removing your aligners to brush and floss. You can do this part of your routine while cleaning your aligners to save time!

Store Them Properly

When you start your Invisalign treatment in Santa Clara, you’ll receive a case for your active pair of aligners. When you take your aligners for any reason, put them in the case. This protects them from any accidents that could damage them physically, along with keeping away bacteria and other germs.

Don’ts for Invisalign Care

Along with the routine care needed to protect your Invisalign aligners, there are also a few important things to avoid during your treatment. Avoiding these hazards will help ensure the success of your treatment.

Eating or Drinking With Your Aligners In

Invisalign treatment is incredibly convenient due to the fact that you can remove the aligners to eat, enjoying an unrestricted diet. However, it’s important to note that you must never drink anything other than pure water with the aligners on.

It is usually recommended not to eat with aligners on, but in certain cases of crossbite, Dr. Bindra will recommend that you eat with your aligners on. Every treatment plan is customized based on your individual needs and the instructions will reflect this. 

Using Hot Water

When it comes to soaking or rinsing your Invisalign aligners, you should always use lukewarm water. Avoid hot water at all costs, as it can render your aligners useless. Invisalign aligners are made of a thermoplastic material that can permanently deform under high temperatures, and the shape of your aligners is essential for your treatment.

Chewing Gum or Tobacco

You might think that chewing gum is okay because it technically isn’t food, but that isn’t how it works. You’re still chewing and can damage your aligners. The best advice is to avoid chewing tobacco regardless of whether you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, but it’s worth noting that it will also impact the results of your treatment.

Neglecting Oral Hygiene

During Invisalign treatment, you have additional steps to your oral hygiene routine that can make it more tempting to skip over it from time to time. This can be a big mistake, as you’ll be at increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease due to plaque accumulation and higher levels of bacteria.

Making the Most of Your Invisalign Treatment in Santa Clara

Your Invisalign treatment can deliver stunning results if you follow your treatment plan carefully. At Crestview Family Dental, Dr. Kavneet Bindra provides clear guidance before, during, and after treatment to help you enjoy a beautiful smile and excellent oral health. Schedule a consultation today to see if Invisalign is right for you.