Invisalign is one of the most popular ways to straighten teeth. But for the aligners to be effective, they must be properly cleaned and taken care of. Otherwise, you will find yourself dealing with bacteria build-up, causing dental diseases and possible breakage of your Invisalign aligners.
Want to learn about Invisalign care?
Invisalign clear aligners are the most modern teeth straightening system. It uses a durable and clear plastic material to gently move the teeth to the desired position, resulting in a beautiful and healthy smile.
These clear aligners will be used for a 2 week time period until such time that they loosen. Then, they have to be replaced with a brand new set. To ensure that the clear aligners remain in good condition before the replacement set, you have to properly take care of them.
With this Invisalign care guide, you will learn how to care for your Invisalign with the proper handling and cleaning method.
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How Often Should You Clean Your Invisalign?
Your Invisalign aligners should be routinely cleaned every night. This is usually done around the same time that you brush and clean your teeth. This helps remove the build-up of bacteria and plaque that have accumulated during the day. With this, your aligners are optimally clean for overnight use.
But, if you find that your aligners look dirty or dull, you can immediately clean them with a specialized cleaning solution and warm water. They should also be cleaned every time you take them off for eating or drinking anything other than water.
If you notice debris or staining on your aligner trays that do not seem to come off, bring them on your next visit. We will deep clean them for you so they can remain in great shape.
Avoid harsh cleaning products and tools
While they are durable, your Invisalign trays should be cleaned gently and with the use of proper solutions. Avoid harsh chemicals that may distort the trays. Also, using toothbrushes with hard bristles or other sharp cleaning tools may scratch the tray. Over time, these may cause dullness and even weaken your aligners.
Do not drink or eat with them on
Food debris and beverages, other than water, are notorious for causing discolorations on the plastic Invisalign trays. Also, as the material is only made of plastic, they are not made to be used for chewing and biting. So make sure to remove them before you eat or drink anything other than water. Otherwise, you risk damaging your clear aligners.
Learn how to store your Invisalign braces
Another Invisalign aftercare is to dry and store them in their case whenever they are not in use. Leaving them in random areas exposes them to a lot of bacteria, and this can affect the durability of the material. Also, this may cause accidental falls and breakage.
Aside from that, imagine putting dirty aligners in your mouth. This may eventually cause dental issues such as bad breath and even tooth decay. Avoid this by storing your aligners properly. Proper storage also ensures that you never lose your aligners.
Practice good oral hygiene
Lastly, make sure to properly brush and floss your teeth to prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria. This will ensure that, after the Invisalign treatment, your smile will be healthy just as it is beautiful.
How to Prevent Invisalign From Breaking?
- Do not use your aligners when eating. While they are very durable, they are not meant for biting or chewing food.
- Make sure you are removing them correctly. Start with pulling the back area of the aligners on both sides first and the front will follow. Doing this in reverse risks damage.
- Store your aligners properly when they are not in use.
- Clean your aligner braces properly to prevent bacteria build-up, which can affect the durability of the plastic material.
- Switch to your replacement aligners as scheduled. Moving to a new tray too quickly may cause pain and discomfort. You may also find that it does not fit well and forcing it into your teeth can cause cracks or breaks.
- Visit your dental provider for regular progress checks.
Are you PRONE to Getting Cavities or Want to Find Ways to Strengthen Your Teeth?
Add ACT Mouth rinse to your aligners before bed. The fluoride contained in ACT Mouth rinse may help remineralized areas that are demineralized! What does that mean?? Adding ACT can help make your teeth stronger while you sleep.
FAQs
What is the last stage of Invisalign?
The final stage is Invisalign retainers. After straightening your teeth and improving your bite, the last part of your treatment is to permanently keep the teeth in place. Without retainers, relapse may occur and this will bring you back to square one of the Invisalign process. Avoid starting over by simply following all the correct steps the first time!
Can I wear my Invisalign tray as a retainer?
While your Invisalign trays can act as retainers, these are only meant for up to 2 weeks of use. After that, you will need to invest in retainers. Vivera or Hawley retainers are more durable and are designed to hold the teeth in place for the long term.
Do Invisalign trays get looser?
Invisalign works by applying pressure to straighten the teeth. So eventually, as the teeth shift to their proper position, your clear aligners will normally loosen. To continue the movement of your teeth, you must replace your aligner trays with a new set at least every 2 weeks or as recommended by your dentist.
Straighten Your Teeth The Invisalign Way
Is Invisalign the right treatment for your teeth alignment problems and bite issues? Book a consultation with our Invisalign orthodontist at LiveHealthy Dental to know more. I want Invisalign now!