Getting the Best Results From Your Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign offers a straighter smile without the hassle of metal brackets and wires that come with traditional braces. Whether you've just received your first set of aligners or are considering treatment, you're probably wondering how to make the most of your investment. 

While clear aligners offer a more discreet path to your dream smile, they require a bit more care and self-motivation to successfully complete the treatment. In fact, research confirms that compliance with Invisalign treatment decreases over time, so if you’re determined to get the best results, you need to understand how your everyday choices may affect your treatment. 

Read on to explore how to get optimal results from your clear aligner orthodontic treatment and where to find the best Invisalign dentist in Houston. 

Five Ways to Ensure You Get the Best Results From Your Invisalign Treatment

Whether you're just starting Invisalign treatment or halfway through, these practical actions will help you avoid setbacks, speed up your progress, and ensure your investment pays off with the stunning results you deserve. 

1. Wear Your Aligners Properly

Consistency is the cornerstone of successful treatment when it comes to clear aligner systems like Invisalign. Your aligners can only work their magic when they're actually in your mouth for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. This means you should only remove them for eating, drinking anything besides water, and your oral hygiene routine. 

Skipping hours or regularly forgetting to put your aligners back in disrupts your treatment and can potentially add months to your treatment timeline. Many patients who experience treatment delays with Invisalign can trace the problem back to inconsistent wear. Even a few hours without aligners each day can significantly delay your progress toward that perfect smile.

2. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Invisalign treatment demands a commitment to oral hygiene, since aligners can trap food particles and bacteria against your teeth for hours. Brushing and flossing after every meal, not just morning and night, prevents this debris from causing cavities or gum inflammation while wearing your trays. 

The best dentist for Invisalign in Houston recommends keeping a travel-sized oral hygiene kit in your car, desk, or bag, which can help make this habit convenient. Additionally, maintaining your regular dental check-ups throughout your Invisalign journey allows your dentist to spot and address any developing issues before they compromise your results. 

3. Clean and Care for Your Aligners the Right Way

Your aligners require specific care to remain clear, odor-free, and effective throughout each two-week wear cycle. Caring for your aligners properly includes: 

• Rinsing them with lukewarm water every time you remove them, and cleaning them thoroughly at least once daily using a soft toothbrush with the cleaning solution provided with your aligners. 
• Avoiding common mistakes like using regular toothpaste or hot water to clean your aligners. Toothpaste can scratch the plastic and compromise the integrity of the aligners. Hot water can warp the aligners and affect the way they move your teeth. 
• Always store aligners in their protective case when not wearing them, including during meals. Accidentally throwing your aligners away in napkins or damaging them in pockets or bags is a common problem that can delay your treatment. 

For convenience and consistent care, keep a small hygiene kit with a travel toothbrush, floss, and cleaning supplies to keep in your bag or car. This will help you care for your aligners while on the go.

4. Move to the Next Aligner in Your Series When You're Supposed to

Each aligner is designed to accomplish specific tooth movements before the next set takes over, creating a choreographed sequence that depends on proper timing. Timing your aligner changes when instructed by your orthodontist is very important for staying on track with your treatment. This typically happens every one to two weeks, but can vary slightly depending on your treatment plan. 

Moving to the next set too early can prevent complete tooth movement, while delaying changes can extend your overall treatment time unnecessarily. Many people find success by setting smartphone calendar alerts for when they’re supposed to change to the next aligner in the series. 

5. Understand How Your Diet and Lifestyle Habits Affect Your Aligners

Your daily habits significantly impact both the clarity of your aligners and your treatment progress. Remember: 

• Always remove trays before consuming anything besides water, including coffee, wine, curry, and tomato sauce, which are all notorious for permanently staining the clear plastic
• Drinking hot beverages can also distort the precise shape of the aligners
• Smoking not only discolors aligners but also increases the risk of gum disease during treatment

Some patients find that Invisalign naturally encourages healthier eating and lifestyle patterns, and consider this a side effect as a bonus. Your new habits can benefit both your smile and your overall health. 

Finding the Best Invisalign Dentist in Houston

At Sapphire Smiles, we strive to make your orthodontic experience a genuinely enjoyable part of your self-care routine. 

Our approach reimagines the traditional visit to the dentist by creating a spa-like atmosphere, including premier comfort with warm towels, cozy blankets, and entertainment options like ceiling-mounted TVs with Netflix and Beats headphones that help time fly by. Here, Dr. Mary Antoun, widely regarded as the best dentist for Invisalign in Houston, is committed to providing personalized Invisalign treatment plans that fit seamlessly into busy lives and bring the smile of your dreams to life. 

For those curious but cautious, Sapphire Smiles offers personalized video consultations before you commit to an office visit. 

Ready to begin your journey to a dazzling smile with the best dentist for Invisalign in Houston?