How to Properly Care for Your Invisalign Aligners
Having a beautiful set of aligned teeth is something everyone would like to have. While younger children and teenagers can opt-in for braces, once you reach adulthood, the best way to fix misaligned or crooked teeth is with the help of clear aligners. The Invisalign clear aligners are made of removable clear material. Hence, with the right tips and techniques, you will be able to clean it effectively.
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Importance of Cleaning Your Aligners
Just like brushing and flossing is essential to your teeth, cleaning your Invisalign aligners is equally as important for maintaining good oral hygiene. Clear aligners were created to be invisible, while providing effective corrections to your teeth’s alignment.
Cleaning your Invisalign unit will allow you to maintain the original clear and transparent look. Afterall, this is the purpose of the equipment, complete anonymity. If your Invisalign is not cleaned thoroughly, it could result in bacteria build up. You could start suffering from bad breath or other complications.
We stress this recommendation on keeping your aligners clean. If you don’t, food particles that get stuck on the material could cause you to have to opt-in for braces instead. In case you are wondering what, you need to do to clean your clear aligners, let’s take a look at some effective tips.
Remove the Invisalign Before Eating
One of the most effective ways to maintain good and long-lasting Invisalign without any stain is to take them out while you eat. This prevents plaque and bacteria from building up. It also helps to keep your teeth healthy.
Once you finish eating, make sure that your teeth are clean. Additionally, your Invisalign should also be cleaned before you place it back in your mouth.
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Clean Your Trays When You Remove Them
Each time you take out your Invisalign, remember that you should wash it properly, using clear soap. Water alone will not prevent bacteria from growing on the aligners.
If you continue cleaning it with plain water, the Invisalign will eventually start developing a bad odor, which can spread into your mouth. If you want them to be clean, healthy, and hygienic, make sure to invest in good denture cleaners or Invisalign crystals that help to clean your aligners properly.
NOTE: Do not use hot water to disinfect your dentures since this could impact its integrity. Always use water that is at room temperature.
Keep Them in A Case
One of the most common mistakes people tend to make with their clear aligners is placing them in a napkin instead of a case. The napkin will allow bacteria to grow very quickly. Once again, if you do not clean your Invisalign properly, this transfer bacteria into your mouth. If you want to keep them clean and prevent accidents from happening, always use a tray.
Floss and Brush
Food particles tend to get stuck between your teeth. If you wear your Invisalign without thoroughly cleaning your teeth, bacteria will start forming on your enamel and roots as well as the Invisalign. This may result in many oral problems and oral diseases over the long term, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Follow a Routine
If you want your Invisalign to look good and stay hygienic, one of the best things to do is follow a routine. From the start of your day till the time your sleep, ensure that your Invisalign is treated with care. It should be cleaned every time and is taken out and put back in your mouth before and after eating.
While this may be a little difficult to get used to at first. If you form a routine and force yourself to follow it for a couple of days, it will eventually become second nature to implement.
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Avoid Basic Mistakes
While you will be aware of most of the things you shouldn’t do with your Invisalign, here are a few things you should keep at the top of that list:
- Never leave your Invisalign out in the open
- Never rinse your Invisalign in hot or cold water
- Never use a mouthwash to clean your Invisalign
- Never use harsh ingredients to clean it
- Never use only plain water while washing
- Never use toothpaste to clean
If you avoid these mistakes, you will be able to maintain a better looking and a more hygienic set of clear aligners.
It doesn’t take a lot to keep your clear aligners healthy when you maintain them. After the process is complete, you’ll be able to enjoy the most perfect smile you could ever have.