While it would be great if everyone could be born with straight, perfect teeth, not everyone has this luxury. Thankfully, individuals who are not born with straight teeth still have options to attain that beautiful, perfect smile. One effective and discrete option that is available is Invisalign. Invisalign treatment uses clear trays that are virtually invisible, which means that you don't have to worry about those unsightly metal brackets on your teeth. If you have decided to go with the Invisalign treatment for the misalignment of your teeth, here are a few dos and don'ts to keep in mind for optimal results.  

Do Clean Your Aligners 

It is very important that you properly clean your aligners on a regular basis. This will consist of soaking them in a special cleaning solution that is recommended by your orthodontist. In addition, you will want to brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove anything that didn't come off while soaking. 

Don't Forget to Brush Your Actual Teeth 

When you remove your aligners to eat or drink, make sure that you thoroughly brush your teeth before you place your aligners back into your mouth. If you allow food particles to remain in the mouth, it could not only result in tooth decay, but it may also degrade your aligners.  

Do Wear Your Aligners as Instructed 

To achieve the best results, you need to follow your orthodontist's instructions when it comes to wearing the aligners. You should wear them for as many hours each day as possible, which includes while you are sleeping. Essentially, the only time that you should remove your aligners is when you eat or drink. Ideally, though, it is recommended that you wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day for optimal results. 

Don't Play with Your Aligners 

As you adjust to the feeling of your new aligners, you will likely be tempted to take the trays out and play with them a bit. However, it is important that you fight the temptation and don't do this. While it is true that the silicone that these Invisalign trays are made out of is built to last, if they are handled too roughly, the aligners could crack or break. Therefore, it is best to leave them in your mouth and on your teeth the way they are designed to be. 

If you would like to learn more about Invisalign treatment, contact a local orthodontist.