If you just got your first Invisalign aligners, then you are on the way to get a better and more beautiful smile. They have become a great alternative to the typical metallic braces due to their softness, strength, and safety.
Also, know that it is not necessary to have them in your mouth all the time; thus, you are allowed to eat or drink whatever you like without all the limitations, not like braces.
It is essential to keep them clean to ensure that they works properly. If not kept clean, it can result in discoloration and the buildup of bacteria, which damages not only your mouth but also your overall health too. Just like your teeth, they need daily cleaning to make certain that you get the maximum benefit out of this treatment.
Further read 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting an Invisalign Treatment.
Suggested Daily Routine
Here are some suggestions to help you with your daily routine for Invisalign maintenance:
- Brush your teeth and clean your aligners when you wake up – As you sleep while wearing them, a lot of bacteria builds up during the night. So, it is important to clean them when you wake up the next morning. Cleaning them should be the first thing to do in the morning when you wake up to get rid of the bacteria buildup. Brush your teeth and rinse the trays too before placing them back to your mouth.
- Rinse your aligners whenever you remove it from your mouth – Clean them with water whenever you remove them as it will help to wash away the dried saliva. When you take them out for any reason, place them in a case to avoid drying out or getting exposed to bacteria. Use cold water to rinse them as the hot temperature can affect the shape of the trays.
- Brush and floss before you put on the trays – Wearing them while eating or drinking can cause food to stick in it. So, remove them before any of these activities. Before putting them back, brush and floss your teeth first, otherwise, the remaining food particles will cause cavities or other dental problems.
- Soak trays every day – To keep them in their best functional form, it is important to clean your trays on a daily basis. Soak your trays either in recommended cleaning crystals or denture cleaner. Avoid using hot water to soak the trays as it can harm them. After that, use a soft toothbrush to get rid of the remaining plaque or food particles.
Learn 7 advantages of Invisalign treatment.
Proper Ways to Clean Your Invisalign Aligners
Vinegar and Water
Mix ⅓ of white distilled vinegar into 3 parts of water. Place the trays in the solution for almost 20 minutes before brushing and rinsing it. Once done, rinse them off properly to avoid the sharp taste of vinegar in your mouth.
Soap Solution
For cleaning, use an unscented, antibacterial soap to remove the bacteria accumulated on the tray. Place it in the warm water and keep stirring until the lather forms. Soak the trays in the solution for nearly half an hour. Then, brush and rinse them thoroughly before using them.
Baking Soda Solution
Put a tablespoon of baking soda in a ½ cup of water until it reaches the state of a consistent mixture. Soak the trays in the solution for an hour and then, brush and rinse thoroughly before putting it back into your mouth.
Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen Peroxide is quite famous for its bacteria-killing power. To clean the aligners using it, make a half-and-half solution of water and hydrogen peroxide and soak the trays in it for almost 30 minutes. Brush, rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before putting it into your mouth.
Retainer Cleaner
The retainer cleaners come in a tablet or powder form which can be easily dissolved into the water. Being a very effective cleaning method, it targets the bacteria and plaque. The only drawback is that this solution costs more than the options discussed above.
Read more on Invisalign Attachments purpose and effects. Meet Dr. Samkisha Jhunjhunwala
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