Invisalign clear aligners can straighten your smile and help improve your confidence. This orthodontic treatment option is great for adults who wish to fix crooked teeth discreetly without highly visible wire-and-bracket braces. Teeth straightening with invisalign trays is simple, but it is important to make sure you take care of the aligners.
Here are some dos and don’ts:
Do…
Rinse The Trays When You Remove Them
Every time you take your aligners out, make sure to rinse them. At least twice a day, you should also brush them with a soft-bristled brush. If you are out and about, a quick rinse is fine.
After rinsing the aligners, put them away in their case, not in the open. This helps ensure they don’t get dirty before you put them back in.
Brush and Floss
Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are essential dental hygiene steps for everyone, whether they are using Invisalign trays or not. With aligners, it’s even more important because otherwise, the trays will press food against your teeth. This can lead to decay and other oral health issues.
In addition to your usual routine, rinse your mouth out after eating before you put your aligners back in. If possible, you can also brush each time for extra assurance that there won’t be any lingering food particles.
Soak the Aligners Every Day
In addition to brushing your aligners twice a day, give them a thorough soak once a day. You can use an Invisalign-specific solution or denture cleaner for this. Brush the liners after soaking and rinse them before you put them back in.
The morning is often a good time for this soak since bacteria can build up overnight, but any time that works for you is okay.
Don’t…
Eat With Invisalign On
Invisalign trays are not meant to stand up the pressure of chewing. Eating with them can easily break them. It also can trap food between the aligners and your teeth and can stain the trays. You also need to remove your Invisalign if you are drinking anything other than water.
Clean The Trays With Improper Products
Colored cleaning solutions or soaps can stain your aligners and harsh products can damage them. Scented products can also cause issues for the trays, not to mention the fact that they may leave an unpleasant taste. Additionally, you should never use toothpaste, as this can scratch the trays or discolor them.
Expose the Aligners to Heat
Exposing your aligner trays to heat can warp them, which makes them ineffective for treating your misaligned teeth. Although you may be tempted to use hot water to clean the trays, stick to a lukewarm temperature. You should also make sure you never leave the Invisalign trays in a place where they can overheat, such as in a hot car.
Straighten Your Smile With Invisalign
Dr. Atty Smith is a preferred Invisalign provider and can help you get the straight, beautiful smile you desire. Depending on the severity of your misalignment, it is possible to straighten your smile in 12 months or less.
