Got Invisalign retainers to straighten your teeth? Make sure you know proper Invisalign care so they can do their job of straightening your teeth.
Having straight teeth confers many benefits beyond dental health. Straight teeth are easier to clean and are less susceptible to wear and tear. This can bolster your confidence and improve speech.
With straight teeth, you’ll also have healthier gums. This makes you less likely to develop diseases linked to poor dental health.
Invisalign has many advantages over traditional braces. They’re almost invisible, so they won’t change how you look.
You can also take them off, which means you can continue to eat any food you like. It’ll also be easier to brush your teeth.
Yet, there are important things to know when it comes to caring for your aligners. Read on because this guide will talk about Invisalign care.
Invisalign aligners can cost between $3,000 to $8,000 for each patient. Their price is enough to justify diligence in caring for your trays.
Failing to clean your Invisalign trays can cause them to stain. This defeats the purpose of getting Invisalign for their subtlety. Cleaning your aligners keeps them invisible.
Keeping the trays clean should now be part of your oral hygiene routine. When using Invisalign, there will be more area for bacteria to grow and spread. Food particles can get stuck in the trays.
If you don’t clean your aligners, you’ll be more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay. You can develop bad breath and other oral diseases like gingivitis.
Cleaning your aligners regularly prevents bacteria from spreading. You didn’t get your trays from an Invisalign provider for straight teeth only. You want straight teeth that are clean and healthy.
Here are some important tips for Invisalign care:
Remember to integrate Invisalign care with your basic oral routine. Never forget to clean your trays the same way you don’t forget to brush your teeth.
Make it a habit to clean your aligners in the mornings and evenings. You can clean them before or after brushing your teeth.
Remember to take off your trays before you eat. Your aligners will be safe when you’re only drinking water. However, all other food or drink you consume can damage or stain them.
It can be easy for food particles to get stuck in your trays. Note that you need to wear your aligners for long periods. If there are food particles there, bacteria will grow and create plaque.
Plaque is a sticky film that sticks to your tooth’s enamel. If left unattended, plaque can harden into tartar. You’ll then need a professional to get it off.
Make sure your aligners don’t become a petri dish for bacteria. Take them off before eating and keep them clean.
What good is keeping the trays clean of your teeth aren’t? Food particles also get stuck in your teeth.
Usually, our saliva washes food particles away. However, when you’re using Invisalign, saliva won’t be able to reach your teeth and remove the particles. This will also cause bacteria to grow and lead to plaque build-up.
Make sure to floss and brush before putting your aligners back on after meals. It’s important to keep both your teeth and your aligners clean.
Besides cleaning your trays in the mornings and evenings, rinse them every time you remove them. This keeps plaque and dried saliva from building up.
Using only water to rinse and soak the trays won’t prevent bacteria build-up. Consider using clear soap instead. This won’t stain your aligner.
Don’t use hot water when rinsing and disinfecting your trays. They’re made of a thermoplastic material that can bend in hot water.
Meanwhile, cold water can make your aligners contract. It’s best to use room-temperature water.
Rinsing your trays every time they’re removed keeps them fresh and foul-smelling bacteria at bay. Remember to pack what you need so you can clean your trays whenever and wherever you are.
Soaking your Invisalign aligners prevents tough stains, plaque, and odor. You disinfect them from Strep, Staph, Candida, and E. Coli. This is one of the important tips for Invisalign care to keep them looking and smelling their best.
Soak your trays at least once a day in a denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals. After soaking, use an extra soft-bristled toothbrush to brush off any remaining particles. Rinse them again before putting them back on.
Never leave your aligners out in the open. When left in the open air, it can encourage more bacteria build-up.
Don’t leave them in a napkin, either. It’ll be more likely to lose or damage your trays this way.
When you’re not wearing your aligners, keep them properly stored in their case. Always take your case with you wherever you go.
Cleaning your trays, the wrong way or using certain chemicals can damage them.
Don’t use abrasive materials when cleaning your trays. This can dull their transparency.
Don’t use cleaning solutions with harsh ingredients. Don’t soak the trays in mouthwash, as this could discolor them.
Likewise, don’t use toothpaste or colored/scented soap to clean your aligners. They can leave a residue that will discolor the trays. They might also cause an unpleasant taste.
There are many benefits to Invisalign over traditional braces for straightening teeth. They’re subtle and removable. You’ll still be able to eat any food, and it’s convenient if you play sports.
Yet, you need to observe proper Invisalign care to keep them and your teeth clean and healthy. Failing to do so might damage them and cause you other dental problems. Make Invisalign care part of your regular oral hygiene routine.
Want to know more tips about Invisalign? Check out our other guides here.