Invisalign Do’s and Don’ts: Essential Tips from Dr. Tinto on St. Clair
Hey everyone! If you’re starting Invisalign treatment with Dr. Tinto on St. Clair, it’s crucial to follow these essential guidelines to achieve the best results. Here’s what you need to know how to care for your new Invisalign trays!:
Do’s:
- Wear Your Aligners: This might sound obvious, but it’s vital to wear your trays as instructed. At Tinto Dentistry, we recommend wearing them for 20-22 hours a day. Remove them only when eating, drinking (water is fine), and brushing/flossing. The most critical time to wear them is every night.
- Store Aligners Properly: Always keep your aligners in their case when not in use. Don’t put them in paper towels or napkins—too often, they get thrown away by mistake.
- Keep Your Aligners Clean: Clean your aligners every morning as Dr. Tinto recommends. Soak them in Hydrogen Peroxide when you wake up and then brush them with an old toothbrush to prevent bacteria buildup and keep them clear.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back in. Keeping your teeth clean is crucial, as orthodontics increases the risk of cavities, especially if food gets trapped in the aligner. Healthy gums and teeth move into position faster.
- Follow Dr. Tinto’s Schedule: Download the Invisalign App to track when to change your trays. While you might read online that trays can be changed every 7 days, always follow Dr. Tinto’s advice. He knows your teeth better than any random blog.
- Follow a Healthy Diet: Enjoy the freedom of eating what you want with Invisalign, but avoid foods and drinks that can stain or damage your aligners, like coffee, tea, red wine, and sugary or acidic foods. Stick to water whenever possible, especially when your aligners are in.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Neglect Oral Hygiene: If you don’t keep your teeth clean, you risk developing cavities between them. Flossing is more important than ever. Caring for your teeth is as important as caring for your Invisalign Trays!
- Don’t Put Aligners in Napkins: Always put your aligners in their case. Trust us, we can’t stress this enough—napkins are a sure way to lose them.
- Contact Us If You Lose a Tray: If you lose a tray, email or call our office immediately. Dr. Tinto will guide you on the next steps. Sometimes we can move forward, but other times we might need to order a new tray. Moving on too early can result in trays not fitting properly.
- Don’t Skip Wearing Your Trays: Consistency is crucial. Skipping wear time can prolong your treatment and prevent your teeth from moving into the correct position.
- Don’t Clean with Hot Water: Never use hot water to clean your aligners, as it can warp the plastic. Use Hydrogen Peroxide in the morning and cold or lukewarm water when rinsing.
- Don’t Put Trays in the Dishwasher: It might seem obvious, but never put your aligners in the dishwasher. The heat and pressure can distort them.
Healthy aligner habits don’t just protect your trays — they help you achieve the best possible cosmetic results from your smile transformation.
