Invisalign is an innovative new way to achieve straight teeth in a quick, painless and cosmetically subtle way. Clear aligners are easy to use and remove, and are more discrete than other dental treatments.
However, Invisalign can involve a significant initial investment and, for optimal results, caring for your clear aligners is extremely important. King Street Dental provides readers with expert tips on how to care for your aligners the right way.
Caring for your Clear Aligners the Right Way
Think of your aligners as another set of teeth, which have been customised and designed using 3D modelling to perfectly fit your jaw.
Invisalign aligners are designed to be perfectly clear, so that nobody can tell that you are wearing them. Without proper care, the aligners can become discoloured and become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to an unnatural appearance, bad breath and poor overall health.
Cleaning
We recommend that Invisalign retainers be cleaned twice a day: when you wake up and just before bed. Always use a soft, non-abrasive toothbrush which is only used for cleaning the aligners. A mild anti-bacterial soap and warm water should do the trick and, while it may seem natural to do so, cleaning your aligners with a toothbrush must be avoided as it can cause scratches.
For best results, a thorough aligner cleaning routine should be combined with an equally careful dental hygiene routine. Placing your clean aligners on top of teeth riddled with food particles and germs could prove detrimental.
Rinsing
Be sure to rinse your Invisalign aligners with warm water each time you remove them. Unless they are being soaked in a cleaning solution, always keep your aligners in a case to protect them from open air which can lead to the groeth of bad bacteria.
Soaking
Soak clear aligners in cleaning solution at least once a day to keep them in ideal condition. While Invisalign offer customers their own liquid cleaning crystals, this product can be quite costly so it helps to know that it can be replaced with a denture cleaner like Polident instead.
After soaking, brush the trays with a soft toothbrush, rinse and dry them properly before returning them to the case.
What about Eating and Drinking?
The only substance that should come into contact with your Invisalign aligners is water. This means that while consuming any food or drink you should remove your aligners and only put them back in once you have brushed your teeth.
Pro Tip: Carry an extra toothbrush, paste and case with you at all times. Since you will be brushing multiple times a day, use a very soft toothbrush and a nonabrasive toothpaste to protect your teeth.
Pain Free and Transparent Aligners in Melbourne
When it comes to straightening your smile, there is no better option out there than high quality Invisalign aligners which fit your teeth perfectly and move them over a period of time without metal brackets and attachments to the enamel of your teeth like regular braces. To get the most out of your Invisalign investment, make sure that you care for them the right way, each day. For more questions on whether you are a candidate for Invisalign, contact King Street Dental today!