The Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Invisalign Aligners
One of the biggest advantages to Invisalign is they are less noticeable and easy to maintain in comparison to traditional metal braces. To make sure they stay clean and invisible, you need to properly care for them. Follow these do’s & don’ts of cleaning and maintaining your Invisalign Aligners.
Do:
Clean your Invisalign daily.
Plaque and bacteria will accumulate on your aligners as you wear them. Gently brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse with lukewarm water in the morning and before bed. You will also want to rinse them before putting them back into your mouth after meals. Keep in mind, you only wear each set of aligners for a week or two.
Brush your teeth before wearing your aligners.
The aligners fit your teeth and can trap any food debris or liquid. It will then sit against the teeth since the saliva isn’t moving around your mouth, this can lead to tooth decay. To keep your smile healthy, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth before putting your aligners back in after eating or drinking.
Store your aligners in a clear case.
One of our best tips is whenever you take your aligners out of your mouth, store them in their case. Since they’re clear, they are easily misplaced. If you lose your aligners or they become damaged frequently, you can set yourself back in terms of treatment.
Don’t:
Forget to remove your aligners when you eat or drink.
You should avoid eating and drinking with aligners in your mouth at all costs, the only exception being water. The aligners aren’t built to withstand the pressure from chewing food. The debris from food and drink can lead to build-up in your aligners, which puts you at risk for stained teeth and cavities. Lastly, food and drink can cause discolouration.
Use harsh cleansers on your aligners.
Toothpaste can be abrasive, which may scratch your aligners. This will make them more noticeable when you are wearing them. Invisalign patients should avoid harsh soaps, especially ones which are coloured or scented.
If you follow our tips and tricks on how to maintain your Invisalign, you are a step closer to a healthy smile. If you are considering Invisalign treatment or other orthodontic treatments, contact your Anstead dentist to book your appointment!
Most Commented