Invisalign is the most preferred choice for people who want to straighten teeth discreetly. It consists of transparent, custom-made plastic aligners that gradually move teeth into place. Proper maintenance of the aligners is necessary to achieve maximum results from Invisalign treatment. After getting Invisalign in Mississauga, it’s important to take the right steps to keep your aligners clean and effective. Here are nine tips to help you care for them properly.
Tip 1: Keep Your Aligners Clean
Since Invisalign is worn for a long time, it requires rinsing with lukewarm water to remove bacteria and particles. Gently scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding the use of toothpaste and harsh soaps, as these can scratch and damage your aligners. Also, it would help if you cleaned your teeth well before reinserting the aligners to avoid food particles and bacteria getting stuck between your teeth and the aligners.
Tip 2: Rinse Your Aligners Daily
Apart from cleaning them with a toothbrush, you need to soak the clear aligners daily to keep them clean and free of bacteria. You can use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner. Soak your aligners in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse them with water before placing them back in your mouth. Soaking helps to remove bacteria, plaque, and more, thus keeping your breath fresh.
Tip 3: Handle Aligners with Care
Invisalign aligners are crafted from a unique flexible plastic that requires careful handling to prevent damage. To avoid bending or breaking them, always use both hands when inserting or removing the aligners. When not in use, keep them safely stored in their protective case to prevent loss or damage. Avoid leaving them out or wrapping them in a napkin, as they could be accidentally thrown away. To track your progress, consider using the Smile View Invisalign tool to visualize how your smile may change over time.
Tip 4: Do Not Eat or Drink with Your Aligners
You can take the aligner out while you eat and drink anything other than water. If you eat with your aligners, some pieces of food can stick, resulting in plaque buildup, bad breath, and even cavities. Additionally, eating while wearing aligners can stain them, making them less transparent. Drinking sugary or acidic beverages with aligners can damage and stain them. Take out your aligners before meals and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Tip 5: Store Aligners Correctly
Whenever you take your aligners out to eat, drink, or clean them, always remember to store them properly. When you remove them, a case from your dentist is the right way to store them. This prevents them from getting lost, damaged, or even growing bacteria. If you leave your aligners open, dust or scratches can accumulate on them and affect the fit and feel of them in the mouth. Proper storage helps to keep your aligners in good shape throughout treatment.
Tip 6: Use Cold Water to Clean Your Aligner
It’s important to note that Invisalign aligners are made from transparent material and plastic warps, which change shape under high temperatures. One must not clean their aligners with hot water, as this makes them lose their shape and consequently their fit on teeth correctly. It is recommended to use lukewarm or cold water for the cleaning aligners. If the aligners get warped, they will compromise their usability in a way that affects your treatment.
Tip 7: Wear Aligner as Recommended by a Dentist
Most patients are recommended to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day and remove them only while eating, drinking, and cleaning their teeth. If you don’t wear them for the recommended wear time, you might observe slower results and get frustrated with the extension of the overall treatment time. Make sure to wear your trays regularly so that your teeth continue to track as planned. For optimal results, wear your bottom Invisalign aligners consistently as directed.
Tip 8: Switch to a New Set of Aligner on Time
You will receive a set of virtually invisible, removable aligners to change every one to two weeks. Your dentist has a plan for you as to when to begin using the next set of aligners. Such plans should be followed while switching to the new set of aligners. When switching early or late, it might affect the alignment process and lead to complications. Ask your dentist for advice whenever you are unsure about when to change your aligners and don’t hesitate to set reminders for yourself.
Tip 9: Maintain Optimal Dental Hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene and healthy teeth is essential while using Invisalign aligners. Brush your teeth at least two times daily and floss once daily to ensure that food particles and plaque are cleaned from the teeth. Following oral habits helps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and more. So brush your teeth after every meal and before reinstalling the aligners. This prevents contamination of the aligners and maintains healthy teeth throughout the process.
In summary, taking care of your Invisalign aligners is an important part of your journey to straighter smiles. Following these tips helps to maintain alignment in optimal conditions. Remember to clean and store your aligners properly, and not to eat or drink when wearing them. Additionally, follow the recommendation to wear invisible braces as directed by a dentist.
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Orb Dental is a reliable clinic offering a wide range of dental services. At our clinic, we have a team of dentist in Brampton who understand your dental concerns and offer you the right treatment that addresses your dental concerns effectively. At our clinic, we aim to provide a comfortable and relaxed environment for our patients to have a positive dental experience. If you want to transform your smile, contact us today to achieve a radiant smile.