Invisalign patients of Dr. Anne C. Kossowan enjoy a more comfortable and convenient orthodontic treatment near New Rochelle, NY. The Invisalign system of plastic aligners are effective at providing the wearer with a straighter smile while being much less noticeable in the mouth. Invisalign offers benefits that Innovation R can’t offer; they are removable by the wearer. This is a critical reason why many Kossowan Orthodontics patients have chosen Invisalign for themselves.

Although Invisalign is one of the most advanced orthodontic treatments available today, patients are reminded that their teeth and the aligners need regular attention during treatment. To get the best results from treatment with Invisalign, Dr. Kossowan recommends to her patients:

• Keep Invisalign in a safe place: Invisalign aligners are compact and clear, and some patients find them easy to misplace. Always keep the Invisalign clear aligner trays in a case or safely tucked in a plastic bag within your pocket,purse, or bag. Do not wrap them in a napkin when taking them out to eat. Many patients end up accidentally tossing the napkin out in the trash! If you have pets at home, make sure too that your aligners are always high up and out of reach of probing paws. The plastic material may be appealing to them as a chew toy.

• Remove Invisalign to eat and drink: One of the great benefits of Invisalign is that they are removable. Dr. Kossowan says to take advantage of this! Always take your Invisalign trays out when you’re eating or drinking. Leaving them in may lead to staining of the trays or other damage, such as distortion of shape due to hot food or drinks. Plus, removing them makes eating much easier.

• Clean your Invisalign properly and thoroughly: To keep your Invisalign working well for your smile and for your oral health, be sure that you are always cleaning them correctly and completely. Invisalign trays should be cleaned at least twice a day, preferably after meals. Dr. Kossowan recommends her patients use a small toothbrush to softly brush the insides of the aligners with just a tiny drop of toothpaste. Some patients use denture cleaner as a soak for their Invisalign aligners. (Simply fill a cup with warm water, put the tablet in, and let the aligners soak.) Kossowan Orthodontics says both methods will keep your Invisalign looking clean, feeling fresh, and working effectively.

• Wear Invisalign as directed: The most important aspect of treatment with Invisalign clear aligners is to use the system properly. Always follow the exact instructions from Kossowan Orthodontics. Likely, this means never leaving the Invisalign trays out of your mouth for extended periods of time, and always being aware of updating the set of trays when the 2-3 week time period has elapsed. Patients should remember that the longer the Invisalign clear aligner trays are out of a patient’s mouth, they are not working to correct their orthodontic issue. This will extend the treatment time for the wearer.

Invisalign is designed to be comfortable and convenient, and by following Kossowan Orthodontics easy instructions, patients near New Rochelle, NY can ensure their successful treatment outcome. If you have any questions about the Invisalign clear aligner system and how to care for it, contact Dr. Anne C. Kossowan and the team at Kossowan Orthodontics at: (914) 738-7995.