What Can You Not Do With Invisalign?

Share:

Invisalign has revolutionized modern orthodontic treatment, letting you straighten your smile discreetly and comfortably. Unlike metal braces, these clear plastic aligners don’t alter your appearance or cramp your style. Whether your treatment lasts 8 months or 16 months, you can smile with confidence while using Invisalign. Because the aligners are transparent, no one will even know you’re having orthodontic treatment.

While Invisalign offers patients of all ages an appreciable level of comfort and convenience, the aligners do require a degree of discipline and commitment. Everyone knows there are no diet restrictions with Invisalign. You can chow down on your favorite hard and crunchy foods without worry. Simply pop the trays out during meals, and you’re good to go.

In order to get the best outcome with the Invisalign system, there are some things you should avoid during the treatment.

Don’t leave them in while eating

Invisalign trays are made with a flexible thermoplastic material designed for comfort.  While the aligners are durable, they are not meant to be worn while eating or drinking anything other than water. Don’t run the risk of damaging your aligners, which will simply prolong your treatment.

Don’t chew gum when wearing Invisalign

If you are an avid gum chewer, the aligners must be taken out before chewing. Gum can stick to the trays, ruining them.

Don’t forget to clean your aligners every day

It’s crucial to ensure your Invisalign trays are clean and sterile before placing them in your mouth. Take care to disinfect the trays with Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleanser, which removes plaque in a matter of minutes. Avoid using hot water, as this can warp the aligners.

Don’t forget to brush or you risk staining the trays

After every meal or snack, it’s vital to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in. Why? Any leftover food particles or pigments (like tomato sauce, berries, or beets) can stain and discolor the aligners, giving them a dull appearance.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners on Invisalign

Many brands of toothpaste – especially the ones that claim to whiten teeth – contain strong abrasives that can scratch the clear plastic of your Invisalign trays, making them much more noticeable. For this reason, it’s best to use a dedicated toothbrush and denture cleanser or cleaning crystals only.

Don’t skip a day (or longer) without your aligners

In order for Invisalign to work, you must wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Non-compliance with this rule means your treatment time will take much longer than anticipated. You can take them out for special occasions now and again, but try and be mindful about the discipline needed for this orthodontic treatment.

Start your journey to a straighter, healthier smile

At Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, getting the smile you’ve always wanted is a breeze! Want more information about Invisalign teeth straightening? Call our Rocky Point office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Long Island cosmetic dentist!

Additional Resources:

1. Invisalign, Treatable Cases https://www.invisalign.com/treatable-cases
2. My Crazy Good Life, What Can You Eat With Invisalign? https://mycrazygoodlife.com/what-can-you-eat-with-invisalign/