Invisalign lets you straighten your teeth without the metal mouth look, which is awesome. But, like anything you wear daily, they get dirty. Keeping them clean is necessary to avoid bad breath, plaque build-up and stains. Luckily, it is pretty easy to do at home.
Want a smooth orthodontic experience in Richland? You will want to Check Westfall Orthodontics. It is popular for Invisalign in Richlands. They are pros at getting your smile straight, and they will also teach you on how to keep those aligners sparkling. Basically, they will set you up for success, so you get the most from your treatment.
Quick tips to keep your Invisalign clean
- Rinse right away: Every time you pop those aligners out, give them a quick splash with lukewarm water. It stops the gunk from hardening on them. Hot water is a no-no – it will mess up the shape!
- Gentle scrub: Grab a soft toothbrush and give a daily brush. Don’t use the regular toothpaste because it is very rough. Instead get those special Invisalign cleaning crystals or a gentle, anti-bacterial soap. You want to clean, not scratch!
- Give them a soak: Daily, let them chill in some denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals for some time. It is like a mini-spa day for your aligners! This will remove the sticky stuff and keep them clear. Rinse them well before you pop them back!
- Watch what you drink: Basically, other than water is a no-no, while wearing your aligners. Tea, coffee, soda, and wine – they will stain those things! So, take your aligners out before eating or drinking anything besides water.
- Store them properly: When your aligners are not in your mouth, they need their own little place. Keep them tucked away in their case. Otherwise, they can get contaminated, lost or even damaged.
- Keep up with your oral hygiene: Your aligners stay clean only when your teeth are clean and vice versa. Brush and floss your teeth before putting your clean aligners back. In this way, you prevent trapping bacteria in there and keeping your entire mouth happy and healthy during Invisalign treatment.
Beyond the basics
Understand plaque and bacteria
Invisalign aligners, like teeth can accumulate plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which is stubborn to brush off and contributes to gum disease. Therefore consistent cleaning is not just aesthetics but is also about oral health management.
Cleaning solutions
- Invisalign cleaning crystals are formulated for invisalign care so can easily remove plaque and bacteria [follow instructions]
- Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide can be used to soak aligners, especially for stain removal [don’t use excessively].
- Denture cleaners can be used but ensure they are non-abrasive.
- Never use bleach, strong chemicals or harsh soaps to clean or it can discolour or damage the aligners.
Brushing techniques
- Use a separate soft bristled toothbrush.
- Gently brush the inside and out of the aligners including the grooves and edges.
- Avoid vigorous scrubbing as it can scratch the plastic.
Regular checkups
Regularly visit your orthodontist for checkups. They can evaluate the cleanliness of your aligners and give extra advice. Follow these simple steps to keep your aligners clear, fresh and effective throughout treatment.
