So you’re thinking about getting Invisalign? Smart choice! I’ve seen so many patients here in Upland transform their smiles with these clear aligners, but proper Invisalign care makes all the difference in your results. Here’s the thing – how well your treatment works really depends on how you take care of those trays.
I always tell patients that Invisalign isn’t just “set it and forget it.” You’ve got to be disciplined about following some basic rules.
DO: Follow Essential Invisalign Care – Wear 22 Hours Daily
The most important rule for successful treatment is consistent wear time. Your aligners need at least 22 hours of daily contact with your teeth to create the gentle pressure required for movement. This timeline isn’t flexible – it’s essential for achieving your desired results.
Your teeth need constant, gentle pressure to move. Every time you take those trays out for more than a couple hours, you’re hitting the pause button. One of my patients kept leaving her aligners out for long lunch meetings. Her treatment took almost six months longer than it should have.
DON’T: Common Invisalign Care Mistake – Eating With Aligners
You’d be surprised how many people try to sneak snacks while wearing their aligners. Bad idea! Food gets trapped underneath, creating this gross bacteria party in your mouth. Plus, anything with color will stain those clear trays faster than you can say “invisible braces.”
Hot drinks are particularly problematic since they can warp the plastic material, making your aligners less effective or unusable.
DO: Daily Invisalign Care Cleaning Routine
If you put dirty aligners on dirty teeth, you’re asking for trouble. Cavities, gum disease, that funky smell – nobody wants that.
Brush and floss thoroughly before putting those trays back in. The aligners need daily cleaning too. I recommend soaking them overnight in cleaning solution, but even a gentle brush with lukewarm water helps keep them fresh.
DON’T: Using Hot Water
Never use hot water on your aligners. I can’t tell you how many patients have warped their trays thinking hot water cleans better. It doesn’t – it just ruins the fit.
DO: Use That Little Case
That plastic case isn’t just for show. I’ve heard every sob story – aligners wrapped in napkins and thrown away, left on restaurant tables, chewed up by dogs. Don’t be that person.
Keep the case with you always. Get a second one for your office or car. It’s way cheaper than replacing lost aligners.
Your Invisalign Journey in Upland
Living here in Upland, most patients are juggling work, kids, social events. Life doesn’t stop for orthodontic treatment. That’s why Invisalign works so well – you can eat whatever you want and most people won’t notice you’re straightening your teeth.
But you still need to stay committed. The patients who get the best results make Invisalign care part of their daily routine.
I’ve watched teenagers get more confident as their smiles improved, and working professionals finally address that crooked tooth that always bothered them. It really makes a difference, but only if you do your part.
About the Practice
At Higher Ground Dentistry, we provide exceptional, personalized dental care to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Led by Dr. Vikas Sikka, we listen to your concerns and create tailored treatment plans using advanced technology and proven techniques. From Invisalign to routine care, we’re here to help. Call us at (909) 946-9090 or visit our website to schedule your appointment.