Any orthodontic treatment is a huge commitment to make. It is a long-term investment that requires time and money. If you are planning on embarking on the process of correcting teeth, it is important to understand the appropriate care required for your treatment. Invisalign is a treatment option that requires less maintenance than braces, however, this does not mean you can neglect your responsibilities as a patient to ensure your aligners are in peak condition to do their job. In this article, we will discuss how to clean and maintain your aligners.
Aligners Require Adequate Care
Invisalign is becoming a popular orthodontic treatment by many patients due to the hassle-free benefits they provide over braces. This general understanding can give people the impression that Invisalign does not require any added responsibilities for the patients, leading to a lack of concern for the aligner's condition and resulting in treatment complications. Following proper care instructions is a simple way to maximize results and mitigate added costs.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Cleaning your aligners is a fundamental requirement within the Invisalign treatment process. Your aligners should be thoroughly cleaned every time you brush your teeth. Below is a five-step process that will make sure you are not putting yourself at risk for complications later on in your treatment.
- Rinse your aligner with lukewarm water. Make sure the water does not get too hot as this will make the plastic malleable and possibly alter the shape of the aligner.
- Brush both the inside and outside of your aligner using a soft bristled toothbrush or retainer brush. For best results, brush in a circular motion.
- Once you have brushed the entire aligner, rinse it with lukewarm water.
- Take a closer look at your aligner to check for calcium buildup. You will be able to identify this if the aligner has any cloudy film on it after brushing.
- To remove calcium build up, let your aligner soak in a solution recommended to you by your doctor.
Necessary Care Practices
Aside from cleaning your aligners, there are a few things to keep in mind throughout your treatment.
- Invisalign is made using clear plastic, making it very easy for the aligner to become stained. To avoid stains on your aligners keep them away from anything with dye in them. A few examples of these products include:
- Mouthwash
- Toothpaste
- Coffee or tea
- It may feel natural to bite your aligners into place, however, this can cause minor distortion and affect your treatment plan duration. Instead, simply place the aligner on your teeth and press it into place.
- Remove your aligner to eat and drink, with the exception of cool water. After eating or drinking, brush your teeth if possible or thoroughly rinse your mouth before putting your aligner back in. This will help rid your mouth of leftover particles. Failure to do this will lead to bacteria build-up, resulting in bad breath or cavities.
Proper Care Will Benefit You In The Future
Caring for your aligners is an essential practice when going through an Invisalign treatment. Not only will it avoid complications in your treatment plan, but it will also keep your oral health in check. The primary practices to follow include: properly care for your aligners are to:
- Clean your aligners every time you brush and floss
- Avoid warm and coloured liquids
- Handle your aligners with care when inserting and removing them from your mouth
- Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out after eating
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FAQ’s
Can I drink with my aligners in?
It is recommended to only drink cool water while wearing your aligners. All other drinks contain ingredients that will lead to bacteria build, distortion, and stains.
Can I smoke while wearing my aligners?
No. Tobacco-related activities such as smoking or chewing tobacco, have the potential to stain your aligner.
My doctor did not recommend a cleaning solution to soak my aligner in, what should I use?
If you are unsure what to use to soak your aligner in, Invisalign makes a specific formula called Cleaning Crystals. This is a good option as it was made to specifically clean Invisalign aligners.
