7 Tips for Caring for Your Invisalign
Published on July 6th, 2022.
Invisalign is an excellent option for those who want to straighten their teeth and improve their smiles without the bulkiness of traditional braces. If you and your dentist decide that Invisalign is the best option for you, there are a few things you should do to take care of your aligners and get the best results possible.
1. Brush Your Aligners Regularly
You should clean your Invisalign trays every morning and evening during your treatment, just as you would brush and floss your teeth. If your aligners are not thoroughly cleaned, they can develop plaque and bacteria, just like your teeth! As a result, use toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to clean your aligners twice a day. Brush the inside and outside of your aligner tray gently to remove debris and bacteria that could harm your teeth and gums.
2. Use Invisalign Crystals to Soak Your Aligners
Soak your trays in Invisalign cleaning crystals every day to help with odour, bacteria buildup, and staining. Submerge your aligners in the crystals and the recommended amount of water. It only takes about 15 minutes for the cleaning solution to do its work, after which you should brush, rinse, and replace your trays. Remember, do not leave your Invisalign out for any longer than is absolutely necessary!
3. Avoid Using Mouthwash on Your Aligners
Most mouthwashes contain harsh ingredients and artificial colouring, which can damage or stain your aligners. Because Invisalign trays are made of clear plastic, they can absorb dyes from mouthwash and potentially warp from other abrasive chemicals. Always remove your aligners before using mouthwash and thoroughly rinse your mouth before replacing your trays.
4. Store Your Invisalign Trays in Their Case
You should never leave your Invisalign out in the open. If you do not properly store your aligners, you risk damaging them or allowing bacteria to grow on them. In addition, if you leave your aligners out, you are more likely to lose them! If you take your Invisalign out to eat or drink, make it a habit to replace them in their case.
5. Avoid Certain Beverages
It is best to avoid drinking sugary or coloured drinks while wearing your Invisalign. If you want to keep your aligners in place, you should only drink water. Otherwise, before drinking anything other than water, remove your aligners. If you drink a sugary beverage, coffee, tea, or dark soda while wearing your Invisalign, rinse them out immediately to avoid staining and bacteria buildup.
6. Always Remove Your Aligners Before Eating
Eating while wearing your Invisalign trays is not only uncomfortable, but it may also be harmful. The aligners are not meant to withstand the pressure of hard food or repeated chewing. Food particles can also get inside the aligners, where they can breed bacteria and cause tooth decay. Before eating, always remove the trays and rinse your mouth before replacing them.
7. Be Careful When Removing Your Aligners
Take care when removing your Invisalign trays to avoid damaging your aligners or gums, especially if you have just begun treatment. Begin at the back of the mouth and gently lift the aligners away from the molars. Then, gradually work your way to the front of the mouth. If you’re still having trouble removing your aligners, talk to your dentist about options like an aligner hook.
Invisalign Specialists at The Hope Dental Care Centre
Invisalign maintenance is critical for your overall oral health and will help you get the most out of your treatment plan. Proper care will also keep your aligners in good condition. You will need to visit your dentist or orthodontist on a regular basis in addition to caring for your aligners at home.
The Invisalign specialists at The Hope Dental Care Centre are eager to assist you in achieving the smile you’ve always desired. If you’re thinking about using Invisalign to correct your dental misalignments, contact our office today to set up an appointment!