Caring for your Invisalign® clear aligners is easy, and it's an important factor when it comes to reaching your treatment goals.
Without proper care, diligent cleaning of your aligners, and regular oral hygiene habits, plaque and bacteria can build up and cause damage to both your teeth and aligners over time.
Ways That You Can Keep Your Aligners Clean
Rinse. Any time you take out your aligners, you will need to thoroughly rinse them before putting them back in.
Brush. When it comes time to brush your aligners (at least once or twice a day), never use toothpaste as it will harm them. Be sure to only ever use anti-bacterial soft soap and warm water, and only brush them gently to avoid damage.
Soak. You can soak your aligners in Invisalign's specialized cleaning crystals once a week. The crystals dissolve into the water and create a cleaning solution for soaking your aligners.
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. It is important that you 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.
How to Properly Clean Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth not only helps to care for your teeth but also can help keep your aligners clean.
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.
Ideally, you should brush and floss your teeth every time you remove your aligners before you put them back in. If that's not possible, be sure to at least rinse the aligners and your mouth with water until you can get to your regular cleaning routine.
The Importance of Routine Dental Visits
In addition to regular cleaning of your aligners and teeth, be sure to attend all scheduled appointments with your dentist.
Not only does this give your dentist a chance to monitor the progress of your teeth, but it also helps to ensure you're on the right path in terms of caring for your aligners and following your treatment plan.
For more information about Invisalign or how to care for your aligners, contact our orthodontist in Abbotsford today to book an appointment.