Invisalign aligners have been among the most favored options among patients when it comes to comfort, convenience, and beauty as far as a straight and beautiful smile is concerned. In case you are receiving treatment using orthodontics in your area, good care of your aligners is the main role that keeps your treatment on track.
Having your Invisalign near you is another way of ensuring that your aligners remain clean and clear. It also avoids the accumulation of bacteria, which may cause damage to your dental health.
Why Invisalign Care Matters
The time of usage of Invisalign aligners is 20-22 hours a day. They have direct contact with your teeth and gums most parts of the day; hence, they must be well taken care of to avoid being stained, odorous, or even having cavities. Clean aligners will aid you in keeping your mouth clean and make sure that treatment proceeds without interruption.
1. Clean Your Aligners Regularly
Brushing your teeth and cleaning your aligners at the same time is one of the best Invisalign care tips. Small amounts of a soft toothbrush and clear, mild soap should be used to scrub them. Toothpaste should not be used because it is abrasive, and it leaves small scratches in which bacteria may proliferate. To get cleaner, one should soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or dental cleaning solution a couple of times a week.
2. Brush and Floss Before Reinserting Aligners.
Do not forget to brush and floss your teeth and then put your aligners back in after meals. The food particles that are stuck between your teeth and aligners may result in the accumulation of plaque and bad smell. This easy routine will aid in taking good care of your aligners as well as your teeth.
3. Avoid Eating or Drinking While Wearing Aligners
You are not supposed to eat or drink with Invisalign aligners, with one exception, namely water. Hot drinks can change the shape of aligners, and coffee, tea, or soda can stain them. Never eat anything but water with your aligners on, and then rinse your mouth before placing them into the mouth again.
4. Store Your Aligners Properly
Always remember to keep your aligners in their protective case when you are not using them. They may be contaminated, damaged by accident, or even lost. Store your aligners in a clean and safe place to minimize the chances of fracturing or losing them.
5. Rinse Your Aligners Frequently
Always when you take off your aligners, rinse them under a little lukewarm water. This does not allow the saliva and bacteria to dry on the surface, and they remain hygienic and cool. It should not be used with hot water, which could deform the plastic substance.
6. Handle Aligners with Clean Hands
To ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene while using your aligners, it is best to first wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling them. This reduces the chance of dirt, oils, or germs from your hands transferring to your aligners and helps to maintain great oral health during your treatment.
7. Stick to Your Replacement Schedule
After one to two weeks, you will have to change your aligners and put on a new set as they are part of your Invisalign treatment. It is wise to follow your orthodontic practice’s schedule of changing your aligners to continue progressing. If, after the set time, you use the old or broken aligners without a replacement, it may hinder your progress or affect your results.
8. Avoid Harsh Cleaning Agents
Do not do jobs with bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, or colored mouthwash on or with their trays. These products can damage the plastic and leave behind toxic residues. Instead, clean your trays using gentle, mild cleaners or those recommended by Invisalign.
9. Maintain Regular Dental Checkups
If you make regular appointments to see your orthodontist, it will be much easier to stay the course. If you experience discomfort, breaks, or a problem with the fit of your Invisalign, you should definitely go see your orthodontist. Additionally, they can provide suggestions on how to care for your Invisalign correctly.
Conclusion
Taking care of the Invisalign can make the orthodontic process easier and cleaner in nature. Taking care of your Invisalign trays isn’t as complicated as you might think. Here are some simple tips to clean and store them, as well as your mouth.
When you are ready for a smile change you can trust, visit Girgis and Ito Orthodontics and get to work! Get a confident and healthy smile with Invisalign using a customized process by our ortho specialists near you.
