Unfortunately, we weren’t all born with the perfectly straight smile that most of us desire. The good news is that this doesn’t mean that it is out of reach. There are several different teeth straightening options out there to choose from, like Invisalign. This treatment uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift teeth into their new, rightful locations, but what is the best way to maintain them? Here are some Invisalign cleaning tips.
Soak Your Aligners Every Day
Use Invisalign cleaning crystals to soak your aligners once a day. This will make it easier for you to brush away food or plaque that is stuck to your Invisalign trays. Be sure that you thoroughly rinse them before placing them back into your mouth.
Rinse Your Aligners After Removal
Whenever you take out your aligners, be sure to give them a good rinse right away. To clean them, use an antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help to remove particles that are stuck to the clear aligners.
Brush Your Teeth Before Putting Your Aligners Back In
Always give your teeth a brush and floss before putting your aligners back in. You don’t want to be left with any food particles trapped against your teeth. If you don’t brush beforehand, your aligners will become dirty, and you will be more likely to develop dental issues throughout the duration of your treatment.
Clean Your Aligners Every Morning
When you wake up each morning, this is a great time to thoroughly brush both your teeth and aligners. Bacteria build up on them as you sleep, so by cleaning them, you will leave yourself with a fresher smile and better oral hygiene.
Take Your Aligners Out Before Eating
The only thing that you can consume when you wear your Invisalign aligners is water. If you want to eat or drink anything else, you should take them out. If you don’t, food particles can become stuck and increase your risk of developing cavities. Your aligners can become discolored and stained as well. Your trays were not made to be able to handle the pressure of chewing.
Use the Right Soap
When cleaning Invisalign aligners, you shouldn’t use colored or scented soaps. They can cause discoloration and leave a residue behind. Choose soaps wisely when it comes to cleaning your aligners.
Invisalign is great, but you need to care for your aligners properly. By using the tips listed above, you can keep your trays fresh and your smile healthy!
About the Author
Dr. Mario DeNicola earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He has completed over 300 hours of AGD-approved continuing education and is an Invisalign Preferred Provider. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Virginia Dental Association, and Shenandoah Valley Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Harrisonburg, visit his website or call (540) 432-6616.