HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR INVISALIGN ALIGNERS
An orthodontic treatment that has seen massive growth in the last few years is Invisalign. Invisalign treatment is a discreet and convenient way to straighten misaligned and crooked teeth. Some of its benefits include; being practically invisible, non-invasive, removable, comfortable, and having no food restrictions. Invisalign comes with a set of clear aligner trays that need to be worn at least 20 hours each day, and just as you need to maintain good oral hygiene while using Invisalign, you will also need to properly care for your aligner trays. If you’re looking for local Invisalign Surrey or just some extra info to help you decide, keep reading for some added helpful tips on how to care for your Invisalign aligners.
Create a habit of cleaning your aligners regularly
Since they are worn practically throughout the day, you should clean your aligners as you brush teeth in the mornings and at night. This ensures that there is no bacteria build-up, as this could potentially cause further damage to your teeth. You can clean them by using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the outer and inner parts of aligners, after which you rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Do not eat with your aligners
Invisalign aligners are easily removable for when you eat, drink (coffee, tea, or other liquids that could stain them), or smoke, and it is very important that you don’t keep them in as you eat and drink. This is because apart from staining/damaging them, particles of food could build-up in them and harbour bacteria which could ultimately lead to other dental issues.
Soak your aligners daily
This keeps them hygienic and odour-free. You can do this by dropping a few Invisalign cleaning crystals into a cup of lukewarm water and then letting your aligners soak in it for 15-20 minutes. You can also brush off the aligner trays with a toothbrush after you are done. It is important to never soak your aligners in mouth wash or denture cleaner as this can damage them. Always use the Invisalign cleaning crystals as they are custom-designed to remove plaque and kill any bacteria present in the aligners while also keeping them fresh.
Always rinse out your aligners when you remove them
It doesn’t matter if you’re taking them out for just a cup of coffee; it is important to rinse your aligners every time you take them out to remove any lingering saliva or plaque. Also, always ensure you rinse them off before placing them in their case, as they can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Cleaning out your aligners twice each day won’t make any difference if you have poor oral hygiene. Always ensure that you brush and floss regularly (preferably twice a day), especially before you wear your aligners, to remove any plaque or food particles trapped in your teeth/gums. This will also help you prevent dental issues such as cavities or gingivitis.
Always store your aligners in their case
Regardless of your reason for taking them out, it is important to always store your aligners in their case. Always carry their case with you whenever you go out, as storing them anywhere else could potentially damage them.
Conclusion:
With proper care and a good hygiene routine, you will get the best results out of using Invisalign. Regular cleaning and proper handling of your Invisalign aligners will not only prevent damage but help them serve you better.
