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More than 6 million people have used Invisalign® to get a better smile. An extremely popular orthodontic treatment option, Invisalign is a process that involves wearing a series of clear aligner trays to straighten teeth.
Invisalign treatment takes an average of 6-12 months for most patients. During treatment, you get a new set of aligner trays about every two weeks. The trays gently reposition your teeth, correcting everything from crowded teeth to malocclusions, and more.
With Invisalign, you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods or activities just to get straight teeth. It’s a convenient option for teens and adults alike, because you simply remove the trays to eat or drink.
One of the best benefits of Invisalign is convenience, but it’s important to take good care of your Invisalign trays so you get the best possible results. Our team at Brooklyn City Dental are here to share some tips for taking care of your Invisalign trays.
With Invisalign, you have one tray for your top (upper) teeth and one tray for your bottom (lower) teeth. It doesn’t matter which tray you put in first. When you insert your aligners, place the tray on the front of your teeth, and use your fingers to press it onto your teeth. Gently work your way back to your molars, pressing the aligners securely onto your teeth.
Never bite down to secure your aligners, because the pressure can damage them or lead to gum irritation. Always make sure you have the correct aligner (either the upper or lower) before attempting to put it in.
When you take your aligners out, start near one of the molars at the back of your mouth. Use your fingertips to loosen the aligner and then loosen it on the opposite side. Move to the front of your teeth and gently remove the aligner.
You shouldn’t need force to insert or remove your aligners. If putting them in or taking them out causes pain, call us for an appointment so we can make sure the trays fit in your mouth properly.
To keep your Invisalign trays clean and sanitary, clean them after you remove them and before you put them back in your mouth. When you take your aligners out to eat or drink, always rinse them before putting them into their storage case.
Rinsing your trays with lukewarm water helps keep plaque and bacteria from building up on the plastic, which can make them cloudy, more noticeable in your mouth, and unhygienic. Never use hot water to clean your aligners, because heat can warp the plastic and change the shape of the trays.
When you’re using Invisalign, brush and floss your teeth after every meal and snack. In fact, get into the habit of brushing your aligners every time you brush your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of non-abrasive toothpaste to clean the inside and outside of your aligner trays.
Invisalign offers an aligner cleaning kit, which you can buy at our office. The kit includes a cleaning solution that sterilizes the trays and helps keep them clear.
Want more tips on caring for your Invisalign trays, or do you want to find out if the Invisalign system could be right for you? Make an appointment with the team at Brooklyn City Dental. Call us or book a consultation online today.
