Canal Side Family Dental is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments because it is convenient, discreet, and effective. However, it does require some work on the patient’s part. If you are thinking about getting started with clear aligners, it is important to remember that your habits will have a big bearing on whether your treatment is easy and successful. Here are some simple dos and do nots that you should apply throughout your time with Invisalign:
Do Keep Your Aligners Clean
You should rinse your aligners after each meal, right before you place them back in your mouth. You should also give them a thorough cleaning every night. Soaking them for a few minutes in a denture-cleaning solution or using Invisalign cleaning crystals can also be helpful. Additionally, you should carefully brush them with clear, mild soap.
Do Brush and Floss Regularly
You should make sure your teeth are clean whenever you place your aligners on your teeth. That means you should brush and floss after each meal, in addition to your normal morning and evening oral hygiene routine. Try to keep a small oral hygiene kit with you so you can maintain a clean smile on the go.
Do Wear Your Aligners Enough
Invisalign is meant to be worn for 20 – 22 hours each day. Although you might be tempted to continually take your aligners in and out of your mouth, you should let them stay in place most of the time.
Do Not Eat and Drink While Wearing Your Aligners
It is fine to sip on plain water while you are wearing your Invisalign aligners. However, you should not consume anything else. Pigmented beverages could stain your aligners and your teeth, while hot drinks could cause Invisalign to warp. Plus, chewing with Invisalign could seriously damage it.
Do Not Lose Track of Your Aligners
Whenever you take Invisalign out of your mouth, you should place it in its storage case. If you wrap it in a napkin while you are eating a meal, you might accidentally throw it away. Some people have left their aligners out in the open, and a curious pet has taken off with them.
Do Not Smoke
Cigarettes are bad for oral health in general, but they can cause even more problems for people with Invisalign. The nicotine and tar in the smoke could cause your aligners to lose their transparent appearance. They may also take on an unpleasant odor.
It does not take a lot of work to enjoy successful Invisalign treatment. Ask your dentist for tips on how you can care for both your aligners and your smile!
Meet the Practice
Canal Side Family Dental is proud to be home to a talented, empathetic team of oral health experts. Invisalign is one of the many services available in our practice. If you have questions about clear aligners, we would be happy to help you get started on your teeth-straightening journey. Get in touch with our Buzzards Bay office at 508-375-3149.