invisalign 10 commandments
I
THOU MUST WEAR YOUR ALIGNERS AS PRESCRIBED
Aligners must be worn 20–22 hours/day, except when eating and brushing. PLEASE understand that Invisalign only works when you are wearing your aligners. If you do not wear them at least 20 hours per day they simply will not work; or even worse, inconsistent wear can cause unwanted movements, misalignment and bite problems!
II
THOU MUST WEAR YOUR ALIGNERS IN SEQUENCE
Aligner movements are very precise and the trays must be worn in sequence. Each aligner is numbered, (#1, #2, etc.) Be sure to go in order. If you lose an aligner, please call us for instructions specific to your case for your next step.
III
ATTACHMENTS ARE NECESSARY FOR SOME MOVEMENTS
Attachments will be bonded to your teeth. Although uncommon, if an attachment falls off between visits, you do not need to come in to have it replaced. Please inform us that this has occurred at your next visit.
IV
THOU MUST STORE ONES ALIGNERS IN THEIR CASE, NEVER WRAP IN A NAPKIN OR PUT IN ONE’S POCKET
Be sure to store your aligners in their case when not being worn so they won’t be bent or lost. Keep them away from pets, especially dogs, who are often aligner eaters!
V
THOU MUST KEEP THEIR ALIGNERS CLEAN SO THEY LOOK GOOD AND DON’T SMELL
Clean aligners by carefully brushing them with cool water and dish soap (see instructions).
VI
THOU SHALL NOT EAT OR DRINK WITH ALIGNERS IN YOUR MOUTH
Only drink cool water with the aligners in your mouth. You cannot eat, chew gum, smoke or drink hot beverages if the aligners are in your mouth.
VII
IF YOU LOSE YOUR ALIGNER
Please call our office and we will instruct you what to do specific to your case at that point in time.
VIII
COME TO ALL OF YOUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS
Be sure to keep your scheduled appointments – regular visits are necessary to track progress, keep treatment on schedule.
IX
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR ALIGNERS TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
Dr. DiGiovanni track’s your treatment progress. If you don’t have your aligners with you when you come in, we cannot see you and you will need to be reschedule your appointment.
X
IF YOU MISS A DAY…
If you miss a day due to being sick or forgetting it at home be sure to make up that time. It is imperative that all the movement from one tray occurs before switching to the next tray.
Tracking Your Progress
When you are finished wearing your current tray, it should”fit like a glove,” as in #1 above. But if you haven’t been diligent about wearing your aligners EXACTLY as instructed, your treatment will fall behind, as displayed by the tray not fitting, as in #3 and #4 above.
YOU HAVE TO WEAR YOUR ALIGNERS AT LEAST 20 HOURS PER DAY, OR THEY WON’T WORK! Even Worse wearing the aligners less than prescribed will result in unwanted displacement of your teeth so that they may actually become more out of alignment and your bite may worsen. YIKES!
Caring for your aligners is pretty simple
- Clean the Invisalign daily using cool water and colorless dish soap (not toothpaste), being sure to support the aligner so it doesn’t bend/break
- Rinse or preferably brush your teeth before putting your aligner in after meals
- Always store the aligners in a case (never a napkin or your pocket) after rinsing out any saliva and face down to drain
- Keep your aligner away from pets (see some DOG-GONE) Invisalign Thieves below!
