How to Protect Your Aligners and Maximize Results with Dr. Phillips in Fort Worth, TX
Choosing Invisalign is an exciting step toward a straighter smile, but proper care is key to keeping your aligners clear, comfortable, and effective. Whether you’re just starting your journey or are already weeks into treatment, knowing how to clean, store, and wear your aligners can help you avoid delays and keep your smile on track. Our skilled Invisalign provider in Fort Worth, TX, Dr. Brit Phillips, helps patients from Fort Worth, Arlington, Keller, Benbrook, and surrounding areas succeed with Invisalign by offering personalized guidance and support every step of the way.
To learn how to properly take care of your orthodontic investment, contact our Fort Worth office by calling (817) 361-1999.
Why Fort Worth Residents Choose Dr. Phillips
As a top dentist in Fort Worth, TX, Dr. Brit Phillips is known for his advanced Invisalign expertise and exceptional patient care. He works closely with each patient to create a custom treatment plan, ensuring your aligners fit comfortably and deliver ideal results.
Our patient Scott S. shared his experience:
- “I recommend Dr. Brit Phillips on the highest level. I’ve been a patient of his for about 3 years and couldn’t be happier with his superior service, including his staff and assistants.”
Whether you’re in Fort Worth, Arlington, Benbrook, or nearby communities, Dr. Phillips is considered one of the best dentists near you for Invisalign and general dental care.
Daily Invisalign Care: Your Routine Matters
To get the best results from Invisalign, consistency is everything. Here’s what your daily routine should include:
- Rinse your aligners every time you remove them to prevent saliva and plaque buildup.
- Brush and floss after every meal before putting your aligners back in to avoid trapping food and bacteria.
- Clean your aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap—not toothpaste, which can be abrasive.
- Soak them once a day using Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner to keep them fresh and odor-free.
- Avoid hot water, as it can warp the aligners and compromise your treatment.
What to Avoid While Wearing Invisalign
Protecting your aligners also means knowing what not to do. Avoid these habits to keep your Invisalign working as it should:
- Don’t eat or drink (except water) while wearing aligners to prevent stains and damage.
- Avoid sugary or acidic beverages, which can sneak under aligners and increase your risk for decay.
- Don’t use colored or scented soaps, as they can leave residue and make aligners cloudy.
- Skip mouthwash with alcohol, which can dry out or distort the plastic material.
Storing Your Aligners Safely
When you take your aligners out, don’t leave them on a napkin or the bathroom sink. Always:
- Use your Invisalign case to store them, even for short breaks.
- Keep them away from pets and children, who might mistake them for toys.
- Rinse them before placing them back in your mouth to eliminate any dust or germs.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Invisalign to work effectively, you need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. This means you should only remove them when eating, drinking anything other than water, or brushing and flossing your teeth. Not wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time can slow down your progress or lead to discomfort when switching to the next set. Dr. Brit Phillips recommends setting reminders or using the My Invisalign app to track your wear time and stay on schedule with your treatment.
It’s normal to feel some tightness or pressure for the first day or two after switching to a new set of aligners. This is a sign that the aligners are doing their job by gradually moving your teeth. To ease the discomfort, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, apply a cold compress to your jaw, or switch to the new aligners at night so your teeth adjust while you sleep. If the pain is severe or doesn’t subside after a few days, reach out to Dr. Phillips’ Fort Worth office for guidance.
Yes! Invisalign aligners are ideal for active lifestyles. Because they are removable, you can take them out while playing a wind instrument or a contact sport. However, for high-impact activities, it’s best to remove your aligners and wear a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth. If you’re playing for long periods, be mindful of wear time and be sure to put your aligners back in as soon as possible to avoid disrupting your treatment progress.
You’ll typically change to a new set of aligners every 1–2 weeks, and you may notice gradual changes like small gaps closing or teeth becoming more aligned. Dr. Brit Phillips will monitor your progress with regular check-ins every 6–8 weeks at his Fort Worth, TX, dental office. These visits help ensure your teeth are moving according to plan. If something feels off—like a new tray not fitting properly—it’s important to contact the office. Skipping appointments or ignoring fit issues can impact your results.
Your Smile Deserves Top Care — Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today
At the office of Dr. Brit Phillips, we make Invisalign simple, successful, and stress-free. Patients across Fort Worth, TX, and surrounding areas like Keller, Benbrook, Weatherford, and Arlington trust Dr. Phillips for personalized orthodontic care and lasting results.
Ready to straighten your smile the clear way? Contact our Fort Worth dentist today by calling (817) 361-1999. Experience the difference with one of the best dentists in Fort Worth, TX—Dr. Brit Phillips.