If you want a solution to an overbite, underbite, or crooked teeth, your orthodontist can help you. Invisalign is a clear, noninvasive orthodontic treatment that will gradually move your teeth into an optimal position. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable and transparent, so it won't get in the way of your daily activities. Most people probably won't even realize you're wearing them. Here are four things you should do to make your Invisalign treatment as effective as possible:

1. Wear your clear aligners as much as possible.

One of the great benefits of clear aligners is that you can take them off as needed. You can eat your favorite foods without worrying about damaging your orthodontic equipment, as is the case with traditional braces. However, this benefit can also come with drawbacks if you take your clear aligners out too often. Ideally you should wear your clear aligners for at least twenty hours every day.

2. Clean your clear aligners thoroughly.

You already know it's important to brush and floss your teeth, but when you have Invisalign, you need to remember to clean your clear aligner too. Every time you take your clear aligners out to brush your teeth, brush your aligners as well. Use soft, gentle strokes with your toothbrush so you don't damage the plastic, and rinse your aligners with clean water before putting them back in your mouth. Once a week, you can soak your clear aligners in denture cleaning solution for an hour to disinfect them. Keeping your aligners clean can prevent plaque and bacteria from building on them.

3. Wear your rubber bands as directed.

As with traditional braces, your orthodontist may decide that wearing rubber bands will help to align your teeth. If you're prescribed rubber bands, make sure to wear them as directed. They may feel uncomfortable, but they're a necessary part of your Invisalign treatment.

4. Get dental implants before clear aligner treatment.

While most people are candidates for clear aligners, there are a few cases where they are contraindicated. Preexisting dental implants can make clear aligner treatment less effective. Dental implants are rooted in your jaw bone, which means they're very secure. Unfortunately, this also means that they won't move at all once they've fully healed. If you're thinking of getting dental implants but you'd like to straighten your teeth as well, take care of your clear aligner treatment before you have dental implants installed.