4 Methods to Keep Your Invisalign Retainers Clean
Invisalign is an orthodontic procedure that has been around since 2000 to correct crooked or misaligned teeth through multiple sets of clear plastic aligners. Each aligner is slightly tighter than the previous one which gradually moves your teeth into the desired position.
Our friendly dentists here at NSDP will monitor the progress that your teeth make and make any necessary adjustments at each scheduled visit.
Brush them out, carefully!
When it comes to cleaning your aligners, all you have to do is brush them as you would your own teeth. Make sure to clean your teeth every morning after waking up and each night before going to bed.
Clean your aligners prior to each insertion or at least be sure to rinse each aligner thoroughly with water before the insertion. Use a soft bristle toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste. You may find it easiest to clean the outside of your aligners by brushing them while they are still on your teeth, then remove your aligners to clean the inside surfaces.
Do NOT use denture cleaners to clean aligners. Do NOT soak them in mouthwash. These products can damage the surface of the aligner, causing it to become dull and more visible.
Put aligners on clean teeth
Whenever you take your aligners out for eating or drinking, be sure to clean your teeth before putting them back in. Bits of food and bacteria might be on your teeth; if you put your aligners back over this gunk, it could lead to stinky breath or even damage your teeth.
At a minimum if you can’t brush your teeth right away, at least wash your mouth with water before you put your aligner back. Brush your teeth as soon as you get the chance.
Store them in a safe place
We’ve heard horror stories of the family dog using your new aligners as a chewy toy, which is one great reason to put them somewhere safe while you’re eating or drinking. If you tend to take your aligners out and leave them on the table, this could also lead to bacteria on your aligner which then gets into your mouth when you put the aligner back in. Always rinse your aligner after taking it out then put it in a glass of water or specialized case until you’re ready to put them back into your mouth.
Keep away from stains
Even these clear braces can get stained. Coffee, soft drinks, tea and red wine can all discolour your aligners. We recommend taking them out whenever you need to eat or drink something.
Conclusion
Invisalign is revolutionary in its ability to straighten teeth with minimal interruption to your day. Gone are the days when you’d have to wear those metal brackets and wires just to get the perfect smile that you’ve always dreamed of. With proper care of your aligners, you’ll get the results you want in no time.
Want to know more about having these amazing clear aligners? Read Extra supplies when having Invisalign we recently published.
