Your Invisalign® ProviderIt's easy to care for your Invisalign clear aligners. Diligent continued care is also an important factor when it comes to reaching your treatment goals.
If clear aligners are not properly cared for with diligent cleaning and regular oral hygiene habits, bacteria and plaque can build up and cause damage to both your teeth and the aligners over time.
Keeping Your Aligners Clean
Rinse. Any time you remove your aligners, be sure to rinse them using running water before putting them back in your mouth.
Brush. Do not use toothpaste to brush your aligners (which should be done at least once or twice a day), as it will damage them. Use only clear, anti-bacterial soft soap and warm water, and make sure to brush them gently.
Soak. Aligners can be soaked in Invisalign's specialized cleaning crystals once per week. These crystals dissolve in water to produce 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 parts about Invisalign is that you can take them out when you need to. You must remove them when you eat or drink, otherwise, you could accidentally damage or stain them. The only thing you can consume while still wearing your aligners is water.
Store your Invisalign aligners in their case. Try to make a habit of always storing your aligners in their case. Whether you take them out for a meal or just to brush your teeth, they must go back into their case. If you don't, you could risk damaging your aligners or even accidentally throwing them away. To keep them safe, just make sure you always have your case with you.
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.
Brush and floss your teeth every time you take out your aligners before putting them back in. If that isn't possible, at the very least, 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.
This not only allows your dentist to monitor the progress of your teeth but also ensures you're on the right track in terms of caring for your aligners and adhering to your treatment plan.
To learn more about Invisalign or how to care for your aligners, contact our dentists at Toothworks Kilborn Dental today to book an appointment. Or find a Toothworks location near you.