Some types of orthodontic treatment like invisible braces are not exactly cheap. Hence, in order to maximise your dental investments, it is vital that you maintain your Invisalign aligners properly as much as possible.
Not only is keeping your Invisalign aligners clean critical for your dental health, but it is also vital to keep them durable. One advantage that Invisalign has over other types of braces is that it can be removed before eating or when taking part in sports.
Furthermore, keeping your Invisalign clean is much easier than braces. However, it is still vital to observe proper practices and habits to prevent any damage. Without further ado, here are six helpful tips to keep your Invisalign aligners clean.
1. Wash them every morning
You are to wear the aligners whenever you are not eating or participating in sports. Yes, that means wearing them when you are sleeping. Bacteria and salivary proteins will build up overnight. Hence, removing your Invisalign first thing in the morning and rinsing it helps to wash them off.
2. Rinse them every time you remove them
The convenience of being able to take out your Invisalign trays should be followed up by regular rinsing. Every time you remove them, make it a habit to rinse them before keeping them away. This simple yet crucial step ensures that biofilm does not cake up when the aligner dries up. Even if you are not able to clean them completely, rinsing should be the bare minimum.
3. Soak and scrub
A thorough cleaning should be conducted at least once a day. You can get Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner and soak your Invisalign in the cleaning solution for a thorough cleaning. These cleaning agents help to loosen adherent bacteria and stains effectively. If needed, use regular toothpaste, as it contains abrasives. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub every surface of the Invisalign before rinsing and putting them back in your mouth.
Before wearing back your Invisalign aligners, take the opportunity to brush and floss your teeth. Ensuring that your teeth and mouth are clean is a crucial step before putting the aligners on again. The effectiveness of your Invisalign treatment can be affected by your dedication to good oral hygiene.
4. Detergent
If there are stubborn stains on your Invisalign trays, try using a mild detergent to break up the staining molecules, before brushing them vigourously.
5. Use your case
Leaving your Invisalign out of the tray every time you remove them only opens up opportunities for bacteria to build up as the trays dry quickly in the open. So, whenever you remove them, whether it is to eat or play sports, leave them in the box that comes with them.
6. Do not eat or drink with them
Do not be lazy to remove them whenever you want to eat or drink something other than water. While it may seem obvious, Invisalign was not designed to be able to withstand your chewing force. They are just designed to align your teeth to their desired position.
Eating or drinking with them, with the exception of water, damages and stains them. Furthermore, food particles can get trapped between your aligners and teeth, providing more avenue for bacteria build-up.
Conclusion
By observing these six tips, you will be able to ensure that your Invisalign aligners are kept in optimal condition throughout the process. Proper maintenance helps to maintain their clear appearance as well as safeguard your dental health. We sometimes recommend teens to consider Invisalign rather than fixed braces because of the lower risk of getting tooth decay; furthermore, Invisalign trays are relatively easy to wear and there is not much aesthetic drawback when wearing them.
Nevertheless, if you are considering getting invisible braces, then look no further than BigSmile. We understand the importance of a beautiful smile. However, more importantly, we know that having a healthy smile is even more critical. So, contact us today to start your smile journey with us!
Location
10 Sinaran Drive, #11-18
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506