With Invisalign, achieving the perfect smile is not only a goal but a journey made easier and more convenient than ever. Invisalign is a series of custom-made, clear aligners that snugly fit your mouth and gradually move your teeth into the desired location. They are a popular choice for people who desire the same results as traditional braces but with the added benefit of a discreet look, thanks to their transparent appearance, unlike the noticeable metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. 

However, the best Invisalign results depend on how well you wear and care for your aligners. Read on to learn seven tips for getting the best results for your clear braces and where to find the best Invisalign dentist in Hoboken.

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Results With Clear Aligners

We get asked every day at Skyline Dental Designs, “How can I get the best results from Invisalign?” Invisalign is a highly effective way to get straighter teeth without having a mouth full of metal wires and brackets. However, their effectiveness depends on your commitment to using them properly and taking care of them. Below, you’ll find our best tips for getting the best results possible:  

1. Wear Your Invisalign Aligners for at Least 22 Hours a Day

One of the most important things to remember when using Invisalign is to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. In short, you should only remove them when you eat, brush, and floss your teeth. Make it a habit to set a 20- to 30-minute alarm every time you start eating; that way, it will ring around the time you finish your meal — reminding you to brush and put them back in. 

Wearing your aligners for the recommended time will ensure that your teeth move according to the treatment plan. If you don't wear your aligners for the recommended time, your treatment may take longer than expected, or you may not get the Invisalign results you hoped for.

2. Change Your Aligners on Time

Another key factor in achieving the best results with clear aligners is changing them on time. Each set of aligners in your series is designed to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. If you don't change them on time, you risk slowing down your treatment progress.

Following the schedule is important to stay on track with your treatment plan. Typically, you'll wear each set of aligners for around two weeks before moving on to the next one in the series. However, this timeframe may vary slightly depending on your unique treatment plan. 

3. Remove Your Aligners Before Eating

One of the great benefits of Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners when you eat. This means you can continue enjoying all your favorite foods without the restrictions of having metal braces.

However, it's important to remove your aligners before eating and brush your teeth before putting them back in. This will help prevent food particles from getting trapped in your aligners, which can lead to bad breath and tooth decay.

4. Keep Your Aligners Safe When Not Wearing Them

While the freedom to remove your aligners when you eat is a great benefit compared to traditional braces, you could easily lose or ruin them if you aren’t careful. Placing your aligners on the table or in a napkin while you eat is never a good idea, as this can lead to damaging or accidentally throwing them away. Instead, keep them in the box provided to you when you start your Invisalign treatment. You should also carry this box with you when you go out so you always have a safe place to keep your aligners when you need to take them out. 

5. Stay Well-Hydrated

Rarely mentioned but extremely important — staying hydrated while wearing Invisalign has countless benefits, including: 

  • Prevents dry mouth: Wearing Invisalign aligners can sometimes reduce saliva production, resulting in dry mouth. However, saliva is important for neutralizing acids produced by mouth bacteria, aiding digestion, and helping to cleanse the mouth to reduce disease-causing bacteria and food particles. So staying hydrated helps maintain saliva flow, which helps protect oral health and comfort.
  • Prevents bad breath: A dry mouth is often associated with bad breath because saliva cannot wash away food particles and bacteria. Drinking enough water can help minimize bad breath by maintaining saliva production and flushing out food particles and bacteria.
  • Keeps aligners clean: Hydration can help minimize plaque and bacteria buildup on the aligners. Regular water intake helps rinse the mouth and aligners, potentially reducing the need for more frequent cleaning.

Hydration is important for your overall physical health, but it also plays a huge role in your oral health — especially when undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear braces. 

6. Clean Your Aligners Properly

Keeping your orthodontic aligners clean will help prevent bacteria buildup that could cause bad breath and tooth decay. Proper cleaning will also ensure that your aligners remain clear and transparent. Steps to clean your Invisalign aligners include:

  • Rinse your aligners with water every time you remove them from your mouth to remove any saliva or food particles that may have accumulated on them.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your aligners with the specialized cleaning solution that comes with them. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can weaken the integrity of your aligners. 
  • Avoid exposing your aligners to hot water, which can warp or distort them. Instead, use lukewarm water to clean them.

You should also get into the habit of storing them in their case when you're not wearing them. This will help prevent them from getting lost or damaged and keep them clean.

7. Practice Good Oral Health

Good oral hygiene is always important, but it is especially important when undergoing Invisalign treatment. Clear aligners can keep bacteria and plaque close to your teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease if you don’t brush and floss well enough or often enough. 

To ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout the process, you should: 

  • Brush twice a day, and after each time you eat to remove food particles.
  • Floss at least once daily to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth.
  • Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria. 
  • Clean your clear aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and specialized cleaning solution to keep it clean and transparent. 
  • Avoid sticky foods or sweet treats that can increase your tooth decay risk. 
  • Keep all your scheduled dental check-ups and cleanings to check for cavities and ensure your Invisalign progress is on schedule.

Invisalign is a great investment if you dream of a straighter, more confident smile. Following these tips will help ensure that you have the best results possible from your treatment.

Where to Find Invisalign in Hoboken 

At Skyline Dental Designs, our mission is to help you get your dream smile. Our modern approach to dentistry focuses on innovative technology, cutting-edge techniques, and fostering long-term relationships with our patients. 

Dr. Kaplan leads our team of dental professionals who are all dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care to patients from Hoboken and Weehawken — including comprehensive modern dentistry and orthodontics. As proud providers of Invisalign in Weehawken near Hoboken, we’re ready to help you make your dream smile a reality using clear aligners.