Imagine straightening your teeth without anyone noticing—sounds like a dream, right? That’s exactly what Invisalign offers: a nearly invisible, wire-free alternative to traditional braces. Dr. Backinger and the team at Summit Orthodontics in Jackson and Charlotte have helped patients transform their smiles with this innovative approach. To get the best results from Invisalign, you’ll want to adopt a few smart habits, starting with consistent wear.
Commit to Wearing Your Aligners
Consistency is the secret to making Invisalign work effectively. Aligners need to be worn for 20–22 hours every day to gradually move your teeth into the desired positions. Dr. Backinger at Summit Orthodontics emphasizes that sticking to the recommended wear time is essential for keeping your treatment on track.
Tips for Staying Consistent:
- Set Reminders: Use your phone or a timer to remind yourself to put your aligners back in after meals or snacks.
- Keep Them Safe: Always carry your aligner case with you to store them safely when eating or drinking anything other than water.
- Track Your Hours: If you’re worried about meeting the daily wear requirement, consider using an app to log your time.
Dr. Backinger and the Summit Orthodontics team are here to support your success, starting with consistent wear. Next, let’s focus on keeping your aligners clean and fresh throughout treatment.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
Clean aligners not only look better but also feel more comfortable and help maintain oral hygiene. Dr. Backinger and the team at Summit Orthodontics recommend cleaning your aligners daily to keep them clear, odor-free, and effective throughout your treatment.
Tips for Cleaning Your Aligners:
- Rinse Regularly: Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water every time you remove them to wash away saliva and food particles.
- Brush Gently: Use a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive soap to clean your aligners. Avoid toothpaste, as it can scratch the plastic.
- Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can warp the BPA-free plastic, so always stick to lukewarm water when rinsing or cleaning.
- Consider Cleaning Crystals: Invisalign cleaning crystals can be used for a deeper clean, especially if aligners develop buildup.
Keeping your aligners clean ensures they stay discreet and functional. Next, let’s learn how prioritizing and maintaining good oral hygiene complements your Invisalign routine.
Prioritize Your Oral Hygiene
Invisalign makes it easier to maintain your oral hygiene routine compared to traditional braces, but it’s still important to stay on top of it. Without proper care, food particles and bacteria can get trapped under the aligners, leading to potential issues.
Why It Matters
Neglecting oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment can lead to plaque buildup and unpleasant odors. Since aligners fit snugly over your teeth, anything left behind is essentially sealed in, which can impact both your teeth and gums.
Brush After Every Meal
Before putting your aligners back in, brush your teeth thoroughly to remove food debris.
Floss Daily
Flossing helps clean between teeth where brushing can’t reach, reducing the risk of plaque buildup.
Rinse with Fluoride Mouthwash
This adds an extra layer of protection for your teeth and gums, keeping them strong and healthy.
Carry a Travel Kit
Keep a portable toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss handy for easy clean-ups on the go.
Dr. Backinger and Summit Orthodontics encourage patients in Jackson and Charlotte to make oral hygiene a priority, as it’s one of the simplest ways to support successful Invisalign treatment. Now, let’s take a look at how your eating and drinking habits can affect your aligners.
Be Mindful of Eating and Drinking
One of Invisalign’s biggest perks is the freedom to eat what you love without the restrictions that come with traditional braces. However, it’s important to follow a few simple habits to protect your aligners and maintain your oral health. Dr. Backinger at Summit Orthodontics recommends removing your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Tips for Eating and Drinking with Invisalign:
- Remove Aligners Before Meals: Always take your aligners out before eating to avoid staining or damaging them.
- Stick to Water While Wearing Aligners: Beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can discolor the clear plastic and leave your aligners looking less invisible.
- Rinse Your Mouth and Aligners: After eating, rinse your mouth with water to wash away food particles, and give your aligners a quick rinse before reinserting them.
- Avoid Snacking Too Frequently: Frequent snacking means more aligner removal and re-wearing, which can disrupt your routine.
With these habits, you can enjoy your favorite foods while keeping your aligners clear and effective. Up next, let’s explore the importance of sticking to your aligner schedule and what it means for your treatment progress.
Stick to Your Aligner Schedule
Staying on schedule with your aligners is one of the most important factors for successful Invisalign treatment. Dr. Backinger and the team at Summit Orthodontics make it easy by providing a clear plan for when to transition to each new set.
What Happens If You Don’t Stick to the Schedule?
- Delayed Progress: Wearing aligners longer than prescribed can slow your treatment timeline.
- Fit Issues: Teeth may not align properly with the next set if there’s a delay in switching.
- Discomfort: Skipping a scheduled switch can make the transition to the next set feel more challenging.
How to Stay on Track
- Mark Your Calendar: Use a digital or paper calendar to note each switch date.
- Set Alarms: Create phone reminders to alert you when it’s time to change aligners.
- Reach Out if Needed: Lost or damaged aligners? Contact Summit Orthodontics quickly to avoid interruptions.
Following your aligner schedule with Summit Orthodontics ensures every step brings you closer to the results you’ve been waiting for—one aligner at a time!
Stay on Track with a Clear Plan
Invisalign offers a seamless way to transform your smile, but success comes down to consistent habits and smart care. Dr. Backinger and the team at Summit Orthodontics in Jackson and Charlotte are here to guide you through every phase of your treatment. Schedule your free consultation today and start your Invisalign success story!