Tips For New Invisalign Users

Invisalign is an orthodontic appliance that helps to straighten your teeth. It is removable and invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without the use of metal wires and brackets. Invisalign in Aurora, IL, is perfect for adults and teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without compromising their appearance.

Here are a few tips if you are a new Invisalign user:

Brushing and Flossing

Your aligners can trap food particles and plaque, so it’s important that you brush your teeth after every meal or snack and make sure that you floss every day as well. This routine is essential to keeping your smile healthy and your aligners free of debris and bacteria. If you don’t remove this bacteria and plaque, it can build up under your aligners and cause tooth decay or other oral health problems. It’s never a good idea to go without flossing or brushing at any time!

Avoiding Foods That Stain Your Teeth

For patients wearing Invisalign, it’s important to avoid food and drinks that stain teeth. While you won’t need to avoid these foods completely (it’s okay to enjoy the occasional treat), you should be mindful about what you consume and try not to consume these items often or in large quantities. Your dentist can provide you with a list of foods and drinks not to consume while wearing your aligner trays.

Some common foods that stain teeth are coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, soy sauce, berries, red sauces, beets, and curries.

These types of food can stain your teeth because the pigment is left behind on the enamel of the teeth when the food or drinks are consumed. The pigments in the food and drink then bond with the surrounding teeth and cause staining.

Wearing Your Invisalign in Aurora, IL, as Recommended

For optimal results, please wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day. This should include wearing them all day and night and taking them out any time you eat or brush your teeth. The rest of the day, put your aligners back in. Also, remember to replace your aligner case each time you switch out your aligners to prevent any bacteria buildup in your aligner case.

It’s normal to feel some pressure on your teeth when you first begin wearing your aligners. That’s because the aligners are shifting the teeth into their desired positions. However, if you feel any pain or discomfort that lasts more than a couple of days, please call us right away. We can discuss your unique situation and make adjustments as needed. We want you to be as comfortable as possible as you complete treatment!

Regular Dental Checkups

Your regular checkup with our Aurora dentist can ensure that you remain on track with your treatment. You may need more frequent checkups if your teeth are especially sensitive or if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment with aligners. During your visits, we’ll also demonstrate the proper way to wear and care for your Invisalign in Aurora, IL. We’ll also make sure your mouth is healthy and that you’re maintaining good oral hygiene habits.

In addition to your regular checkups, it’s important that you continue your routine cleanings and exams at a general dentistry office like Northgate Dental. During these appointments, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth and examine them to check for signs of tooth decay or other oral diseases. We will also screen you for oral cancer during each visit. If you notice any unusual symptoms in between your visits to our office, you should contact us right away.

Request your appointment today with Dr. Sakala at Northgate Dental Center, Aurora, IL, to learn more about Invisalign. Call our office at (630) 892 0015 or schedule an appointment online for your journey towards a healthy and long-lasting smile.