If you’ve heard of Invisalign, you may already be aware of their ease of use and comfortability, especially when compared to traditional braces. Your diet can remain the same and you don’t have to worry about metal hardware rubbing against the inside of your lips and gums. With that being said, there are certain tips your dentist wanted to give before you start treatment.
The better you stick to these habits the more effective and efficient Invisalign in Harrisonburg will be.
Rinse and Clean Your Aligners Daily
Since you need to wear your aligners while asleep, a lot of bacteria can form inside them. This means you’ll need to rinse and sanitize them every morning before wearing throughout the day. You don’t want plaque and food debris to get caught inside them and interfere with your treatment.
When brushing your teeth, allow your aligners to soak in either a denture cleanser or Invisalign’s own brand of cleaning crystals. Once you’ve finished brushing, use a separate toothbrush to remove the loosened plaque and food more easily. Keep in mind any time you remove them, either to eat or brush, you should rinse them. Soaking them twice a day will make a difference in your oral health.
Things to Avoid While Wearing Aligners
When cleaning your aligners, avoid using oral care products like toothpaste. These are ideal for removing plaque and food from teeth, as well as protecting teeth from decay. However, the abrasive ingredients inside toothpaste can cause micro-scratches. It can also discolor them, making them more noticeable. To avoid a gross aftertaste, avoid using soaps that are colored or scented as well.
It should be stressed that aligners cannot be worn when eating or drinking beverages other than plain water. While aligners are durable, they are not designed to undergo the daily wear and tear of chewing. Many beverages can stain or damage aligners easily as well, so it’s not recommended for patients to consume anything while wearing. This also goes for chewing gum, which can easily stick to aligners and cause them to crack under the pressure.
Keep Your Aligners Safe
You’ll want to keep your aligners inside their carrying case when eating meals. Leaving the aligners exposed to open air will give them a foul odor as bacteria begins to build up. Keeping them in their case also helps you remember them when it’s time to wear them again. It’s very easy to accidentally throw them away, especially when you go out to eat.
Additionally, if you plan on traveling for an extended period of time and you don’t know when you’ll be seeing your dentist again, keep the next pair in your series available. This way you won’t run into any interruptions in your treatment, even if your current ones get lost or damaged. Simply move on to the next pair until you see your dentist.
Invisalign in Harrisonburg is easy when you know how to properly care for them. If you have more questions on aligner care, schedule an appointment with your dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. Mario DeNicola earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He’s also an Invisalign Preferred Provider, so you know your realignment is in good hands. To learn more about your dentist in Harrisonburg, contact him through his website.