At the office of Dr. Charles C. Harrington, we're proud to help patients throughout North Potomac and the surrounding areas of Gaithersburg, Kentlands, & Lakelands, MD achieve beautiful smiles through orthodontic treatment. While braces are the most popular treatment we offer, they're far from the only option – and many patients looking for a more discreet form of treatment choose Invisalign. Instead of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to straighten the teeth. Invisalign offers a number of advantages, and if you're considering improving your smile through Invisalign, here are a few tips that can help you make the most of your treatment.
Aim for 24/7 Wear
The recommended schedule for Invisalign is to wear the aligners at least 22 hours per day – but truthfully, that's a minimum. While wearing the aligners for that much time will allow you to achieve a new smile, it's important to realize that the treatment only functions while the aligners are in your mouth. The more diligent you are with wear, the faster treatment will move. To make the most of Invisalign, aim to wear your aligners all day, every day.
Clean Both Aligners and Teeth
During treatment with Invisalign, your teeth will be extra susceptible to decay because any food, acid, or bacteria, will get trapped between your teeth and the aligners. For this reason, it's vital to be diligent in practicing oral hygiene – and that includes cleaning your aligners as well as your teeth. Be sure to brush both your teeth and aligners twice a day when you brush your teeth and rinse after eating in between.
Try a Whitening Toothpaste
For an extra benefit from your Invisalign treatment, use it as an opportunity to gently whiten your smile. Try switching to a teeth whitening toothpaste. Because the whitening agents in the toothpaste will get trapped under the aligners and won't be washed away by saliva, many patients find that whitening toothpastes are particularly effective during Invisalign treatment. This way, your new smile will look even better at the end of treatment!
Contact Your Gaithersburg & North Potomac, MD Orthodontist
Invisalign is a convenient, effective option for patients seeking a more discreet option for orthodontic treatment – and if you're interested in seeing how Invisalign can revitalize your smile, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about Invisalign treatment and schedule a consultation at our North Potomac, MD office. We can't wait to hear from you, and we're excited to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!