Invisalign is a hugely popular alternative to traditional braces because the clear aligners trays are much less visibly intrusive than bulky metal brackets. Instead of fixing gear to the front of your teeth, these are placed over your them to gently move them into their ideal positions over a designated period. That said, successful it’s important that you care for your product carefully for your treatment to be. Keep reading to learn a few things to do, and to avoid, to keep your Invisalign in prime condition!
DO Soak Invisalign Daily
Because these transparent plastic trays sit flush against your pearly whites for 22 hours every day, bacteria are bound to flourish. This can lead to plaque buildup that can make your Invisalign look yellow or smell unpleasant. To keep your aligners sparkling, soak them in a special cleaning solution, like Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, for a few minutes every day. These products are specifically designed to kill dangerous germs without being abrasive to your orthodontics.
DO Remove Invisalign for Meals
It’s no simple feat to successfully eat or drink with Invisalign in your mouth. On top of the challenges you’d have biting into anything, you could also bend, break, or stain your clear aligners. Instead, plan to remove them for meals. This ensures that you’re not exposing them to acidic ingredients that could wear them down, and also helps keep toxic microbes at bay. Be sure to store them safely in their case and not in a napkin that you might toss out with the trash later!
DO Rinse Your Mouth Before Wearing Invisalign
If you’re not washing out your mouth after meals, you’re putting your orthodontics back into unsanitary conditions. You should also empty your mouth of leftover bits of food so that bacteria don’t have the opportunity to cling in the space between your teeth and your aligners when you reinsert them. You can carry a small travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with you, or simply rinse your mouth after meals and thoroughly brush and floss twice a day (morning and night).
DON’T Smoke
Smoking cigarettes, or any tobacco products, can be bad for your Invisalign as well as your overall oral well-being. This habit is sure to leave your aligners looking cloudy and with an odor that’s less than appealing. On top of that, the nicotine content reduces blood oxygen levels and slows your blood flow which means it’s harder for your body to deliver essential nutrients to your teeth and gums. You could develop gum disease or other more serious conditions, such as oral cancer.
DON’T Leave Them Out
Leaving your Invisalign to dry out in open air encourages the growth of toxic germs. When you’re out and about and need to remove your aligners for meals, always have their case with you so that you can keep track of them safely. If you take them out to brush your teeth twice a day, instead of leaving them to dry on the counter, use that as the opportunity to soak them in an appropriate cleaning solution. That way they’ll be as sparkling fresh as your pearly whites are when you put them back in.
Caring for your Invisalign properly ensures your treatment stays on track so that soon you can have the beautifully straight smile you deserve!
About the Practice
At Wolfe Dental, patients of all ages benefit from a team of dentists who provide a full range of oral healthcare services, including Invisalign. With state-of-the-art technology onsite, our dedicated team can meet your dental needs while minimizing out-of-office referrals and the need to see multiple specialists. If you’re interested in Invisalign, you’re welcome to request a consultation appointment on the website or by calling (503) 844-6550.