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Maximizing Your Invisalign Treatment

Feb 12, 2019 | Orthodontist

Invisalign has always been a great choice for patients that do not want to go the traditional route and choose metal and wire braces. Invisalign is also known to be virtually painless, and the aligners are very convenient to remove whenever you need to. While it is a great option and is quite easy, it is still an orthodontic treatment that should be taken seriously. If you’re getting Invisalign in Chantilly and you want to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment, follow these tips below!

1. Wear them for at least 22 hours per day

Although Invisalign trays are removable, your treatment will only work if you wear the trays for at least 22 hours per day. If you take them out for longer periods of time during your treatment, you will not receive the same quick results that your treatment schedule is based on. For teens with Invisalign who have busy schedules, there are aligners with special markings on them to help you wear your aligners for 22 hours a day.

2. Floss daily

While most of us brush twice a day, flossing is a part of the ideal daily dental routine that many people tend to disregard. During your Invisalign treatment, it is more important than ever that you floss every day. The reason it is so important is because while you are wearing your trays, the plaque that may be left on your teeth can be pushed in between your teeth. Food that is stuck between your teeth can also stain your aligners when you put them back in after eating.

3. Clean your aligners

It is important to clean your Invisalign trays daily to remove the bacteria and plaque build-up from the day. The easiest way to clean your trays is simply with warm water and antibacterial soap. Avoid using whitening toothpaste or a harsh toothbrush to clean your trays because it can scratch the delicate plastic, leaving small spaces where bacteria can grow. We recommend using a toothbrush with soft, gentle bristles on your aligners.

4. Use whitening toothpaste

Patients with Invisalign often notice that their whitening toothpaste is more effective during the course of their treatment. The reason behind this is that once you are done brushing your teeth, the remnants of the toothpaste remain pushed up against your teeth by your trays. Might as well take advantage of the opportunity!

5. Wear your retainers

After patients finish their orthodontic treatment, it is very common for them to stop wearing their retainers all together. This causes loss of progress and your teeth can even revert back to their original state. In the beginning, you should be wearing your retainers all day, until you are instructed to wear them at night by your orthodontist.

To summarize, patients should maintain healthy dental habits and consistently use their orthodontic appliances to get the best results from their Invisalign treatment.

Another very important factor in your Invisalign journey is that you must stay current on all of your check-up appointments with your Chantilly orthodontist. Each appointment will be vital in your journey because you will get new aligners every few weeks. If you are interested in beginning your Invisalign journey, give us a call at (703)-249-6637!