One of the reasons why Invisalign has become so incredibly popular is because its clear aligners, unlike traditional braces, are virtually invisible and require no dietary restrictions. However, patients still need to observe certain rules to prevent complications and make sure their treatment stays on schedule. It’s important to keep your Invisalign treatment in mind if you’re planning on taking a special someone out for a night on the town this Valentine’s Day. Here are a few tips to help you comply with your treatment plan when you’re out on a date.
Keep Your Clear Aligners Clean
While Invisalign clear aligners are designed to be virtually unnoticeable, they won’t stay that way if they don’t receive the proper care. Your aligners can develop stains and an unpleasant odor if they are not cleaned regularly, and food trapped between them and your teeth will be sheltered from your mouth’s natural cleaning process, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply rapidly. Whenever you brush your teeth, be sure to also gently brush your aligners inside and out with toothpaste. You should also rinse your aligners off with lukewarm water whenever they are removed.
Mind Your Schedule
Invisalign requires patients to wear their aligners for at least twenty hours every day while removing them when eating or practicing oral hygiene, and the teeth must be brushed and flossed after meals before the aligners can be put back in. Considering that it’s best to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing, it’s important to remain mindful of how long you’re wearing them, even if you’re on a date. When planning out your evening, be sure to give yourself some time to tend to oral hygiene after dinner but before the movie.
Be Confident and Have Fun!
Invisalign is an excellent way to straighten out a smile, and it does so without the distracting metal parts that come with traditional braces. If you’re taking proper care of your teeth and your aligners, there’s no reason not to smile generously throughout the evening. Smiling makes you appear friendlier, more confident, and more approachable to the people around you, so don’t be afraid to show off your teeth when you’re painting the town red with your significant other.
About the Author
Dr. Jay Lopez earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado Health Science Center School of Dentistry and pursues postdoctoral training on topics like dental implants, Invisalign, and oral surgery. His office in Tucson, AZ offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign treatments. For more information on complying with your Invisalign treatment, contact his office online or dial (520) 886-8090.