Things You Can Do to Take Care of Your Invisalign
You’ll like the Invisalign system if you plan to straighten your teeth quickly and discreetly. This orthodontic treatment usually uses a series of clear aligner trays to align your teeth and improve your bite. By taking great care of the aligners and wearing them throughout the day, you will notice a remarkable transformation in your smile.
Our dentist at AZ Healthy Smiles evaluates whether you are a candidate for Invisalign and offers information about Invisalign and some tips on keeping your Invisalign trays clean for an excellent performance.
How Invisalign Differs from Traditional Braces
Invisalign offers many benefits that are different from traditional metal braces. For example, if you are a starter, the aligners will be nearly invisible, so people won’t notice it first when you smile. And unlike braces, you can remove your Invisalign trays when you eat, so you don’t have to worry about forbidden crunchy or sticky foods.
Your Invisalign trays are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. You can switch out your aligners every two weeks, so each moves your teeth just a bit to gradually shift into their new positions, giving you a healthier and straighter smile.
And although Invisalign is disposed of every two weeks, they still require to be cleaned. Otherwise, you’ll have a dirty or smelly set of aligners every day. Thankfully, it can be pretty easy to take care of your aligners. Follow these seven steps.
Try the Habit of Cleaning your Aligners Regularly
One of the best ways to take good care of your Invisalign trays is by cleaning them often. You should get yourself the routine of cleaning them in both mornings and evenings when you brush your teeth.
You are supposed to use toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to gently scrub both of your aligners. This helps you remove bacteria from your aligners that would have damaged your teeth or even impacted your health.
Always Avoid Using Abrasive Materials when Cleaning Your Aligners
The dentists recommend that it is essential that you don’t use denture cleaner, soap, or mouthwash to scrub your aligners. These ingredients are a bit abrasive to the device and can make your aligners appear dull and less invisible. This means they’ll be easier to see when one is wearing them.
Soak Your Invisalign Aligners Daily
When you soak your aligners, it helps keep them hygienic, odor-free, and virtually invisible. Drop your Invisalign cleaning crystals into a small cup of lukewarm water.
Then, put your aligners into the cup and let them soak for 15 minutes. After, you should brush off your tray with a soft-bristled toothbrush when you are done, and all are set.
When You Remove Your Aligners, Ensure You Rinse Them
The dentist near you in Phoenix, AZ, will advise you to rinse your aligners when you remove them. This helps remove the saliva and plaque before placing them in their case. It is essential to rinse them off even when you’re not at home. Otherwise, they’ll become a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, you should ensure you find a sink or drinking fountain before taking them out.
Ensure You Brush and Floss Whenever You Remove Your Invisalign
If food debris or plaque is trapped in your gums or teeth when you put your aligner on, it might be stuck there. This can be problematic for your overall oral health because it could lead to issues like gingivitis or cavities. Therefore, ensure you floss and brush your teeth before wearing your Invisalign.
Do Not Eat with Your Aligners In
One of the best things about Invisalign is removing them when needed. It is always essential to take them out when you drink or eat. Otherwise, you can accidentally stain or damage them. However, you can consume water while still wearing your aligners.
Store Your Invisalign Aligners in Their Case
You should always try to make it a habit to store your aligners in their case. Whether you take your aligners out for a meal or brush your teeth, ensure you put them into their subject. Otherwise, you can risk damaging your aligners or even throwing them away accidentally. To keep them safe, ensure you always have your case with you.