Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option for teens. While metal braces will always be a great option, teens often like the discreteness of Invisalign clear aligners. However, for your teen to get the best results from their Invisalign treatment, it is essential that they properly care for their aligners.
6 Tips for Teens to Get the Most Out of Invisalign treatment
1. Brush and Floss Before Inserting the Trays
Proper dental hygiene is essential with any orthodontic treatment, especially with Invisalign trays, since food can easily get trapped in them if they aren’t cleaned properly. Make sure your teen brushes and flosses before putting in their trays each day and after taking them out at night. This will ensure no food particles or plaque buildup on their teeth while wearing them.
2. Wear Them For The Recommended Time
For Invisalign trays to be effective, they must be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day. It’s a good idea to remind them that they can remove the trays during sports or a music class in school. That 2-4 hour period where they can remove the tray is perfect for school events when they can perform better without the tray. It’s vital to ensure a case is always handy, so they can put the trays back in afterward and not worry about bacteria.
3. Clean the Trays Daily
It’s important to clean Invisalign trays daily to remove any bacteria and plaque buildup. You can soak the trays with Invisalign cleaning crystals for 15 minutes daily to remove any bacteria and plaque buildup. Once you remove the trays from the solution, brush them and rinse them before putting them back in the mouth. Sometimes trays can look a bit cloudy but soaking at least once daily should keep this from happening.
4. Avoid Eating With The Trays On
Eating with the Invisalign trays can be very uncomfortable due to pressure buildup on the gums caused by chewing food against them. Not only that, but food particles can also get stuck in the trays and cause bacteria buildup. Make sure your teen takes out their trays each time they eat.
5. Change Trays As Directed By Your Orthodontist
Each set of trays is designed to move your teeth slightly closer to the desired result. It is essential to follow your orthodontist’s instructions. The instructions include when it’s time to change out your old tray for a new one–typically every two weeks–so that progress can be appropriately tracked and adjustments made as needed for optimum results. Follow-up appointments are around 4-6 weeks apart. You can also ask your orthodontist for additional tips on properly caring for Invisalign trays.
6. Make Sure Not to Leave Retainers Out in the Open
It’s important to keep your teen’s trays safe and secure when not in use, as leaving them out in the open can make them vulnerable to damage or even getting lost. Bacteria can also grow on them if they are not stored in a clean environment, so ensure your teen has a secure place to keep their trays when not wearing them. A special case is provided with Invisalign trays, so be sure to take advantage of it.
Following the above tips will help you and your teen get the most out of Invisalign treatment. It’s important to remember that proper care and maintenance of Invisalign is vital to achieving the best results. Encourage your teen to be diligent and consistent with their routine for the best outcome.
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Schedule a Consultation to Improve Your SmileReady to experience the benefits of Invisalign or other orthodontic treatments? Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics offers comprehensive orthodontic care for all ages. Visit our website today and schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced orthodontists!
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