A Guide For Cleaning Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign treatment is quite popular, and millions of people have successfully used Invisalign aligners to correct their orthodontic issue. Invisalign clear braces London is more comfortable than traditional braces and has several other features that make it suitable for adults and teens to straighten their teeth without stress.
Although Invisalign offers a discreet option for straightening the teeth and it is removable, you have to maintain your aligners to have a successful treatment. Your aligners can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria if you do not clean them properly and lead to gum disease and other dental conditions. This makes cleaning your aligners an important part of your Invisalign treatment. As you read on, you will know all it takes to have clean Invisalign aligner trays.
How do Invisalign aligners work?
Understanding how Invisalign works is necessary to know the right way to clean the aligners. Invisalign uses a different system from traditional braces to straighten the teeth. This system involves a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners worn by the patient to move the teeth into alignment.
You need to wear each set ofInvisalign aligners for a specific number of hours daily until your teeth are in a perfect position. The number of aligners you need and the treatment duration will depend on several factors like the result you want and the severity of your misalignment.
Cleaning Invisalign aligners
You would achieve the best possible result if you adhere to your orthodontist’s advice, clean your aligners, and have a good oral hygiene routine during your Invisalign treatment. Aligners can easily accumulate plaque and bacteria, which causes bad breath.
Ensure you remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything asides from water. After every meal, remember to brush and floss properly before you put the aligners in your mouth. Putting your aligners in your mouth without cleaning your teeth can trap food particles between the aligners and your teeth, which increases bacteria growth and the risk of dental problems like cavities and gingivitis.
You also have to clean your aligner trays by soaking them daily in a solution of lukewarm water, denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystal. Whenever you take out the aligners,ensure you place them in a case and rinse your aligner before putting them in your mouth.
Dos and don’ts for cleaning Invisalign aligners
Some things are necessary when cleaning your aligners and others may damage the aligners, so it’s essential to know what to do and avoid while cleaning your Invisalign aligner trays.
Do the following to clean your aligners.
- Use a spare soft-bristled toothbrush to brush off bacteria and plaque from your aligners gently
- Soak the aligners in a denture cleaner and ensure you follow the directions for use, by dissolving the cleaning tablet in warm water and soak for the recommended time.
- Get an Invisalign cleaning crystal if you do not want to use a denture cleaner. You can get a cleaning crystal online or ask your orthodontist. Dissolve the cleaning crystal in warm water before you soak your aligners.
- If you want to use soap to clean your aligners, use a clear, unscented liquid soap.
- Sanitise the aligners by using a small amount of vodka.
Don’ts
- Avoid using toothpaste to clean your aligners. Toothpaste can make your aligners have a dull sheen and scratch the surface, creating a breeding ground for bacteria
- Avoid coloured or scented soap, as they can discolour your aligners and leave you with a residual taste.
- Don’t use hot water to rinse or soak your aligners as it will warp the aligner, making it less effective.
If your aligner gets damaged, ensure you contact your orthodontist to get a new one, you may use the previous set of aligners while you wait for your orthodontist to preserve the progress you have made.
At-home oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment
Besides keeping your Invisalign aligners clean, you should practise good dental hygiene by brushing your teeth at least two times every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush. Ensure you follow the right brushing technique and brush for at least two minutes. Flossing your teeth daily is also an important aspect of your oral hygiene.
Having clean teeth and gum makes avoiding dental issues possible during and after your orthodontic treatment. Regular dental visits for check-ups and cleaning will help you have healthy teeth and gum. Your dentist can also identify a dental condition early and recommend a suitable treatment before the condition affects your oral and general health.
Other ways to keep your teeth and gum healthy is eating healthy foods containing vegetables, dairy products, and fruits. You should also cut down the sugar content in your foods and avoid sticky food if you want your teeth to remain healthy.
These Invisalign cleaning tips above should keep your aligners and teeth clean, and improve your chance of having a successful treatment.
If you are considering Invisalign to correct your misaligned or crooked teeth, feel free to schedule an appointment with a Dentist London Invisalign at London Braces. Contact today on 020 3745 7520 to book your Invisalign treatment appointment.
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