Invisalign is one of the effective ways to align your teeth without the necessity of traditional metal braces. Easy, removable, and nearly invisible, the Invisalign aligners are ideal for many people. As with every dental treatment, Invisalign also requires proper care and maintenance. Here are some simple tips that can help you keep your Invisalign in Newmarket clean and in good shape.
How Often Should You Clean Invisalign Aligners?
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is important in keeping them free from bacteria and odours. It is highly recommended that you clean your aligners at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Here is how you should clean them:
- Use a Soft Toothbrush: Use a soft toothbrush to brush the aligners. Do not use regular toothpaste to clean the aligners because it can be too harsh on its surface.
- Rinse with Lukewarm Water: After brushing, rinse your aligners with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
- Use Invisalign Cleaning Solution: The best way to remove plaque and buildup from Invisalign aligners is by using a special cleaning solution. It is advisable to follow the package instructions for optimal results.
Clean your aligners each time you take them out when eating or drinking to avoid bacteria buildup.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks Consumption
Invisalign aligners are transparent, and if you consume stained foods and drinks, you might get stains on them. The food or drink consumption can stain the aligner, hence affecting the appearance of your Invisalign. Here are a few tips to avoid staining:
- Avoid Dark Drinks: Food and beverages such as tea, coffee, wine, and more are likely to stain your aligners. If you do drink these, then remove the aligners before consuming them.
- Avoid Dark Sauces: Curry, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and more are some common ones. For those foods, you should remove your aligners before consumption.
- Drink Water: If you need a drink while wearing your aligners, always opt for water, which won’t cause staining.
By avoiding these staining foods and drinks, you can help keep your aligners looking clear and clean.
Store Your Aligners Properly
When you’re not wearing your Invisalign aligners, always store them in their case. This helps protect them from dirt, bacteria, or accidental damage. Do not leave your aligners exposed to the air or on a surface where they can get lost or damaged.
- Keep Them in a Case: Always put your aligners back in the case when you’re eating or drinking. This will prevent them from getting damaged or dirty.
- Avoid Storing in Tissues: It can be easy to wrap your aligners in a tissue when you’re not using them, but tissues can trap bacteria. It’s always best to use a clean, protective case.
Brush and Floss Before Wearing Aligners
Before you put your Invisalign aligners back in after eating or drinking, make sure to brush and floss your teeth. Food particles and plaque can get stuck on your teeth and then transfer to the aligners. If you don’t brush before reinserting them, you might trap bacteria between your teeth and the aligners, leading to bad breath and possible tooth decay.
Brush at least twice a day and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean. This helps prevent plaque buildup that can affect both your teeth and your aligners.
Avoid Eating When You Are Wearing Aligners
One of the benefits of Invisalign aligners is that they are removable. To maintain the clarity and cleanliness of your aligners, it’s important to remove them when eating or drinking anything other than water. Food particles can get stuck in the aligners, leading to staining and buildup.
- Take Them Out: Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking, except for water.
- Clean After Eating: After eating, brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners to keep them fresh and clean.
Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly
Even though Invisalign treatment is designed to be managed by you at home, it’s still important to visit your orthodontist regularly. Regular check-ups will help ensure that your treatment is on track and that your aligners are working properly.
Your orthodontist will monitor the progress of your teeth and adjust your aligners if necessary. This helps you stay on track to achieving your desired smile.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your Invisalign clear aligners is essential to keeping them clean, clear, and effective. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your aligners stay in good condition throughout your treatment.
Achieve a Straight Smile With Invisalign Today!
At Newmarket Orthodontics, we’re here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Our friendly team of dentist near you uses the latest technology to ensure your treatment is comfortable and effective. We know every smile is unique, so we’ll guide you through each step of the process to ensure a favourable outcome from the treatment.
Book your consultation and take the first step toward a straighter smile!