The quest for a bigger, brighter smile and a comfortable bite is something each orthodontics patient is after. Unknown to many, there’s some responsibility that comes with getting Invisalign installed. The decision to go ahead and use Invisalign aligners is a bold move that is met with immense joy. But once you are home, questions start to linger in your mind, like do you brush your teeth the same? Are you allowed to floss, can you eat any type of food you want? It goes on and on.

So to help clear the air and set you up for the best results, here are 5 important things you should know as an orthodontic patient.

1. Always Put On Your Invisalign Aligners

Here there’s no room for procrastination. Part of your duty having just gotten your aligners is to always keep them on. It is incredibly convenient that you can remove and reinstall your aligners whenever you want. The only problem with this is that you may completely forget to put them back on.

What’s more, most patients find it uncomfortable having to spend the whole day with the Invisalign aligners, so they opt to remove their aligners at night when they go to bed. This is a big no-no. For this treatment to work, you are encouraged to put your aligners on for no less than 20 hours a day.

2. Regularly Clean Your Aligners

Having aligners is like having an extra set of teeth. To ensure that you maintain optimum dental hygiene, you must remember to clean your aligners regularly. As you eat and take sweet drinks, all sorts of bacteria get stuck on your teeth and your aligners too. If you fail to brush your teeth thereafter, your mouth and teeth become breeding ground for harmful bacteria. This often ends up in you developing cavities, bleeding gums, mouth odor, and other dental issues.

So the bottom line here is to remember to regularly and thoroughly clean your teeth and your aligners preferably in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed.

3. Toothpaste Is Good For Your Teeth But Not For Your Invisalign

Toothpaste is designed to clean your teeth. Many orthodontics patients assume that if toothpaste is good for the teeth then it’s good for their Invisalign aligners. But nothing could be further from the truth. Toothpaste has been known to discolor clear aligners. You have a better chance of cleaning your aligners with Invisalign crystals or with denture cleaners. This way, you get all the bacteria and plaque off of your Invisalign aligners plus they remain good as new for many many months.

4. Always Keep Your Invisalign Trays Concealed

It is advisable to keep your Invisalign trays in a safe place when you aren’t wearing them. Leaving them out in the open means that bacteria can gain easy access. Once you put your aligners back on, it comes with the bacteria which then transfers to your precious teeth and other parts of your mouth opening another can of worms. If you plan to take a break without your Invisalign aligners, store them somewhere safe and enclosed, preferably inside a small sterilized container. If you forget, brush the trays thoroughly before putting them on again.

5. Be Patient

The alignment process is one that requires time and patience on your part. Don’t give too much attention to the discomfort and resolve to remove your Invisalign aligners. This will only prolong your treatment period and delay your results. It is true that during the first few days, you’re going to feel a bit of discomfort but you’ll slowly get used to it. After some days, you can barely even tell you’re wearing them. So hang in there, eyes on the goal.

If you are considering getting Invisalign aligners, it is judicious to visit a reputable orthodontic clinic. Pitner Orthodontics of South Carolina, for instance, will give you a series of intricate tests and consultations before you get the aligners fitted and installed. They are also very keen on following up with you thereafter just to make sure that you are adhering to the tips mentioned above.