Invisalign retainers are vital to having a successful Invisalign treatment. First, Invisalign aligners are fitted according to the unique needs of your teeth and smile; then, the retainer is used to maintain your straightening between treatments. Are you having issues with your Invisalign Retainer? Check this list and see what you are doing wrong. Are you making any of these mistakes?
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What are Invisalign retainers?
Invisalign retainers are small, clear plastic trays that help hold your teeth in place after completing the Invisalign treatment. You wear them the same way as you did with the aligners: they go over your teeth, and you can take them out when eating or drinking.
Invisalign retainers are an essential part of the Victoria BC Invisalign treatment process, and they help to stabilize your teeth and prevent shifting after you have completed your aligners. Because they are removable, you can take them out when needed.
Dos of Invisalign Treatment
Here are some dos to keep in mind during your Invisalign treatment:
Wear Invisalign for 12 to 22 Hours a Day
Invisalign is designed to be worn for 12 to 22 hours a day, but you should wear your aligners for as long as you can comfortably. It’s best to wear them when you are awake and active. The more time you wear them, the more quickly your teeth will move. If you’re tired or not feeling well at the end of the day, take your aligners and put them back in after you’ve had some rest.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
You should clean your aligners with soap and water each time you remove them. You can also use warm water mixed with hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from the plastic tray that holds the aligners in place on your teeth. Don’t use toothpaste or other cleaning products on the trays because they could damage or permanently stain them.
Limit Consumption of Snacks & Coffee
When wearing Invisalign aligners, it’s essential to avoid eating sticky or chewy foods with high sugar content, such as candy or gum. You should also avoid drinking hot liquids such as coffee or tea while wearing them. These actions will increase the likelihood that you will break an aligner during treatment, which could delay treatment progress or even result in its cancellation entirely.
Store in Invisalign Case Only
Invisalign trays should be kept in the Invisalign case when not in use. The case is designed with a special foam insert that keeps the trays in place and prevents them from getting damaged by other objects in your bag or purse. When you remove your trays to eat, drink or brush your teeth, always place them back into the case immediately after that. This will help to protect them from dust, dirt, and other contaminants that can damage the aligners and cause them to lose their shape over time.
Don’ts of Invisalign Treatment
As with any other treatment, there are some don’ts that you must keep in mind to get the best results.
Remove Invisalign for a Long Time
You should not remove your Invisalign for longer than 6 hours a day. Also, ensure that you do not leave your aligners in water for more than 10 minutes at a stretch. If you have removed your aligners, put them back on immediately after brushing your teeth or eating food. This will prevent food particles from getting stuck between your teeth and also help prevent tooth decay and gum infections.
Expose Invisalign to Air & Heat
You should avoid exposing your Invisalign aligners to air or heat as this can cause damage to the plastic material used in manufacturing them. Also, avoid placing hot water bottles or heating pads near where you store your aligners, as this may cause them to warp and lose their shape permanently.
Eat & Drink While Wearing Aligners
While wearing your aligners, you should avoid eating and drinking anything that may get caught in your aligners or cause damage to them. It is essential to follow the instructions given by your doctor and dental practitioner. Some foods are not safe to eat with Invisalign, such as hard candies and ice cream. If you have any questions regarding whether or not a certain food can be eaten while wearing Invisalign, please consult your dentist before eating it.
Take Frequent Smoke Breaks or Smoke With Aligners
Smoking will cause discoloration of your teeth and adversely affect the treatment process. Smoking hurts the overall health of any individual, including smokers and non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke. Therefore, if you are planning to smoke during treatment, it would be better to do so after taking off your aligners first rather than smoking on them.
Conclusion
Use your trays and retainers correctly to maintain your straight teeth as long as possible. Do switch to a newer set of clear retainers when it’s time for the older set to be removed so that you aren’t constantly changing and adjusting them.