Caring for your Invisalign® clear aligners is easy, and it's an important factor when it comes to reaching your treatment goals.
Without proper care, diligent cleaning of your aligners, and regular oral hygiene habits, plaque and bacteria can build up and cause damage to both your teeth and aligners over time.
Keeping Your Aligners Clean
Rinse. Any time you take out your aligners, be sure to rinse them under running water before you put them back in your mouth.
Brush. When brushing your aligners (at least once or twice a day), avoid using toothpaste as it will irritate them. Use only clear, antimicrobial soft soap and warm water on them, and brush gently.
Soak. You can soak your aligners in Invisalign's specialized cleaning crystals once a week. These crystals dissolve in water to create a solution for you to soak your aligners in.
Repeat. Following these steps throughout your treatment will help keep your aligners clean and free of the bacteria, plaque, and germs that can grow on them.
Don't eat with your aligners. One of the best features of Invisalign is that you can remove them as needed. It is critical to remove them when eating or drinking; otherwise, you risk damaging or staining them accidentally. Water is the only liquid that you can consume while wearing your aligners.
Store your Invisalign aligners in their case. Make it a habit of storing your aligners in their case at all times. They must be returned to their case whether you take them out for a meal or to brush your teeth. Otherwise, you risk damaging your aligners or even throwing them away accidentally. To keep them safe, simply carry your case with you at all times.
Cleaning Your Teeth
Making sure your teeth are clean will go a long way toward keeping your aligners clean and protecting your oral health.
Regular brushing (at least twice a day) and regular flossing (at least once a day) are important in preventing the buildup of bacteria and plaque that can accumulate under your aligners.
Ideally, you should brush and floss your teeth after removing and replacing your aligners. If this is not possible, rinse the aligners and your mouth with water until you can resume your normal cleaning routine.
Visiting Your Dentist
In addition to regular cleaning of your aligners and teeth, be sure to attend all scheduled appointments with your dentist.
Not only does this allow your dentist to monitor the progress of your teeth, but it also helps ensure you're following your treatment plan and caring for your aligners properly.
For more information about Invisalign or how to care for your aligners, contact our dentists at Green Bank Hunt Club today to book an appointment.