Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic treatment by offering a discreet, comfortable way to straighten teeth without the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. However, while Invisalign aligners are removable and convenient, their success depends heavily on how well you follow your treatment plan. Knowing the dos and don’ts of Invisalign can make all the difference between a smooth, successful experience and one filled with delays or discomfort.

Here’s your guide to what you should and shouldn’t do while wearing Invisalign.

Do Wear Your Aligners Consistently

One of the most important rules of Invisalign is wearing your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Consistent wear ensures that your teeth move gradually and predictably according to your treatment plan.

You should only remove your aligners when eating, drinking anything other than water, or brushing and flossing your teeth. Skipping even a few hours can slow down your progress or cause your aligners to fit poorly. Think of your aligners as part of your daily routine — the more you wear them, the better your results.

Don’t Eat or Drink with Aligners In

While it might be tempting to sneak a quick snack or sip of coffee with your aligners in, don’t do it. Eating or drinking (except water) while wearing Invisalign can cause serious issues. Hot beverages can warp the plastic, sugary drinks can lead to cavities, and food particles can become trapped underneath, stain, or damage your aligners.

Always remove your trays before meals and rinse them before putting them back in. This keeps your aligners clean and your teeth at a far lower risk of cavities.

Do Keep Your Aligners Clean

Clean aligners not only look better but also prevent foul tastes, odors and bacteria buildup. Use a soft toothbrush and mild, clear soap to gently clean them each day. Avoid toothpaste — it’s abrasive and can scratch the plastic.

You can also soak your aligners in specialized Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture-cleaning solution for a deeper clean. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly with cool water before wearing them again.

Don’t Leave Your Aligners Out in the Open

When you take your aligners out to eat or brush, always store them in their protective case. Leaving them on a napkin or countertop is an easy way to lose or damage them. It’s also unsanitary, as bacteria can collect quickly on exposed surfaces.

If your aligners get lost or broken, contact your dentist or orthodontist right away — don’t try to skip ahead to the next set without guidance.

Do Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Because your aligners fit snugly over your teeth, it’s essential to brush and floss after every meal before putting them back in. Any trapped food particles or plaque can lead to bad breath, decay, or gum irritation. You should also continue with your routine preventive checkups and cleanings throughout your treatment.

A good tip is to carry a small dental kit with you that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, so you can clean up wherever you go.

Invisalign can transform your smile with comfort and convenience, but only if you stay consistent and care for your aligners properly. Follow these simple dos and don’ts, and you’ll be well on your way to a straight, confident smile that’s worth every bit of effort.

About the Practice

Here at Coats Dental Group of Longmont, we have the clear choice for a straighter smile with Invisalign. Drs. Brian and Kevin Coats are experienced in this field and will ensure you get the absolute best treatment possible, free of metal brackets and wires! Let us guide you on your journey to better oral health. Schedule an appointment online or call (303) 776-4090.

Oral ailments such as gum disease and tooth decay can lead to tooth loss if left untreated, and signs of infection such as fever, fatigue, chills, and swelling may be a sign of a serious dental emergency. However, there are also cases where facial swelling may be addressed best at a local emergency room or by an appropriate specialist. Here’s a guide to a few kinds of facial swelling and how to tell if you should contact your emergency dentist’s office.

There are many ways you can prevent accidents in your daily life. Stopping at red lights, wearing oven mitts when baking, and looking both ways when you cross the street are all common safety precautions that can help you avoid a trip to the emergency room. But what about when it comes to your smile? Although it’s impossible to avoid every dental emergency, there is still plenty that can be done to prevent some common oral health problems. Here are some tips to help your smile safe from dental danger!

While urgent dental care is the kind you most need, the thought of its price could make you hesitate. You may worry that an emergency dentist would cost too much to see. However, you should note that dental insurance could cover your emergency visit; treatment doesn’t have to “break the bank.” Your Longmont dentist will even explain how that coverage would probably work. To that end, keep reading to learn how dental insurance tends to cover dental emergencies.

If you’re getting veneers to enhance your smile, you’re probably excited to see your final results. But before your permanent veneers are placed, your dentist will fit you with temporary veneers. While they may feel like just a stop along the way, temporary veneers serve several important purposes that protect your teeth and prepare you for the finished look.

Here’s more about this crucial part of the process.

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic solution for enhancing your smile. Made from porcelain or composite resin, veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of your teeth to correct imperfections like chips, stains, gaps, or minor misalignment. While veneers are durable and can last 10 to 15 years or more, their longevity largely depends on how well you care for them. If you’ve invested in veneers, here’s how to get the most out of them and enjoy a flawless smile for years to come.

It’s no accident that people associate veneers with the “movie star smile” – the originals were intended to improve the smiles of actors in the early days of Hollywood! This cosmetic treatment has certainly come a long way since its inception in the late 1920s. In this article, you’ll find a fascinating history of the veneer from its early time in the movies up to nearly a century later!

Invisalign remains a popular option for patients who desire a straighter set of teeth but want to avoid the bulky and unsightly look of metal braces. Offering clear aligners that appear virtually invisible, these trays are fully customized to each person’s unique needs. But what many people may not realize is that Invisalign can take some time to get used to, especially when it comes to the changes that can occur with one’s speech. Read on to discover how these aligners can change the way you talk and what you can do to “fix” it.

If you have an overbite, your main issue with it may only be how it looks when you smile. Also known as malocclusion, overbites occur when the upper set of teeth don’t align with the lower set because they are overlapping them. But these types of problems are more than simply cosmetic issues. An improperly aligned bite can cause many oral health problems that can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. Here are four important reasons to correct your overbite that go beyond just appearances, and why getting Invisalign treatment now can help improve your smile and protect your teeth for a lifetime!

Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional orthodontics because it’s a more comfortable and discreet treatment. However, if you have more severely misaligned or stubborn teeth that don’t want to budge, your dentist may need to place attachments on your teeth or trays to help move things along.  

Once you’ve finished your treatment, these inclusions are removed so you can show off your newly straightened smile. If you’re concerned that it will hurt to have them taken off, keep reading to learn why you can set your fears aside!