Invisalign clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontics, offering a virtually invisible, comfortable, and effective way to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which are fixed in place and require certain lifestyle adjustments, Invisalign aligners are removable, more flexible, and convenient. However, there are still important dos and don’ts to consider to ensure the treatment is effective and your aligners stay in good condition. Let’s break down the do’s and don’ts of Invisalign.
What You Can Do with Invisalign
1. Eat Whatever You Want
With Invisalign aligners, you can eat whatever you like—no dietary restrictions! Unlike traditional braces, which come with a long list of foods to avoid (like popcorn, sticky candy, or hard nuts), Invisalign allows you to eat without fear of damaging brackets or wires. You need to just remove your aligners before eating and brush your teeth before reinserting them.
2. Easily Maintain Oral Hygiene
Invisalign aligners make it much easier to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine compared to braces. You can remove the aligners to brush and floss your teeth without needing special tools like floss threaders or interdental brushes. Besides, proper brushing and flossing are crucial to avoiding cavities, gum disease, and bad breath during your treatment.
3. Attend Special Events Without Feeling Self-Conscious
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, which makes them a popular choice for teens and adults who are concerned about their appearance. Whether it’s a wedding, job interview, or family event, you can attend without feeling self-conscious about your smile. Plus, if needed, you can temporarily remove your aligners for photos, although it’s recommended to wear them as much as possible.
4. Play Sports and Instruments with Comfort
If you’re an athlete or a musician, Invisalign is a fantastic option. Since there are no sharp brackets or wires, you don’t have to worry about cuts or irritation in your mouth while playing sports. Moreover, playing wind instruments is also easier with Invisalign aligners because they don’t obstruct your lips or mouth movements like traditional brace.
5. Change Aligners at Home
Invisalign treatment usually involves wearing a series of aligners, with each set progressively moving your teeth closer to their desired position. The aligners are typically changed every one to two weeks, and in many cases, you can change them at home without needing frequent orthodontic visits. This makes Invisalign highly convenient for those with busy schedules or who want to minimize trips to the orthodontist.
6. Speak Confidently
Invisalign aligners are custom-fitted to your teeth, which means that while you might experience a slight lisp when you first start wearing them, it quickly subsides as you get used to the aligners. Most people can speak clearly and confidently with Invisalign, which is a significant advantage over traditional braces that can sometimes cause speech impediments.
What You Can’t Do with Invisalign
1. Skip Wearing Them for Long Periods
One key requirement of Invisalign treatment is that you wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day. Failing to wear them for the recommended time can delay your treatment and reduce its effectiveness. While it’s tempting to leave your aligners out for social occasions, it’s important to remember that every hour counts, and the longer you leave them out, the longer your treatment will take.
2. Eat or Drink (Anything but Water) with Your Aligners In
Even though you can remove your aligners when eating, you should never eat or drink anything other than water while wearing them. Consuming food or beverages with your aligners in can cause them to stain, warp, or develop a foul odour. Additionally, sugary or acidic drinks can get trapped between your teeth and the aligners, leading to cavities and enamel erosion. Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking, and clean your teeth before reinserting them.
3. Use Mouthwash with Aligners In
Using mouthwash with your aligners in is a big no-no. Mouthwashes often contain alcohol or other chemicals that can damage or discolour the aligners. If you want to freshen your breath, remove the aligners, rinse your mouth, and brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
4. Rush Through Your Treatment
Invisalign treatment requires patience and adherence to your orthodontist’s instructions. While it’s exciting to think about the end result, trying to speed up the process by wearing multiple aligners at once or skipping ahead can cause severe damage to your teeth. The movement of your teeth needs to be gradual, and skipping steps can lead to complications like root damage or improper alignment.
5. Leave Your Aligners Exposed
When you’re not wearing your aligners, it’s essential to store them in their case. Leaving them out in the open can expose them to bacteria or result in them being accidentally damaged or lost. Many people accidentally throw away their aligners when wrapped in napkins or leave them where pets can chew on them. Always keep your aligner case with you and use it!
Choose Bangalore Orthodontics For Your Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign offers numerous benefits, from aesthetic appeal to lifestyle flexibility. However, for the treatment to be effective, it’s important to follow the rules of care and wear. Whether you’re enjoying your favourite foods, practising sports, or simply tracking your progress, Invisalign aligners can fit seamlessly into your lifestyle—as long as you stick to the proper care and wear guidelines.
If you’re considering Invisalign treatment for your teeth, choosing it under the guidance of a seasoned expert like Dr. Divyashree Rajendra can make all the difference. Dr. Divyashree is one of the leading Invisalign providers in Bangalore, and she is known for her extensive international training and expertise in this innovative technology. With over 17 years of experience in orthodontics, Dr. Divyashree specializes in treating patients with braces and aligners. As a KOL Faculty for Align India, she provides training and mentorship to other orthodontists in clear aligner systems.
In addition, she has played a significant role in advancing the use of clear aligners in orthodontics as a Key Opinion Leader and Clinical Speaker for Invisalign India. At Bangalore Orthodontics, Dr. Divyashree Rajendra aims to create beautiful, confident, and healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Contact Us today to determine the best course of treatment for your smile!
