If you are one of the many people who have chosen Invisalign to straighten your teeth, congratulations! Invisalign is a great way to achieve straighter teeth without having to deal with the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces which can be extremely painful. However, just because you are using Invisalign doesn’t mean that you can slack off on your oral hygiene routine. Here are a few tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing Invisalign aligners:
Brush Your Aligners Properly
Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day to be effective, which means that they will come into contact with a lot of food and bacteria. That’s why it’s important to brush your aligners properly to maintain good oral hygiene. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. Gently brush the aligners on all sides, paying special attention to the ridges and grooves. This will help to remove any plaque or food particles that may be stuck to your aligners without damaging them. For example, you should never use a toothpick to clean your aligners because this can scratch the surface of the aligner and cause it to become cloudy.
Rinse Your Aligners Regularly
You should also rinse your aligners with cool water after eating or drinking anything besides water. This will help to remove any food particles or bacteria that may be stuck to your aligners. You can also use mouthwash to clean your aligners, but make sure to use a nonalcoholic mouthwash so that it doesn’t dry out your aligners. It is also important to avoid hot water when cleaning your aligners because this can cause them to warp. This can make it difficult to put your aligners back in your mouth and can also cause them to be less effective.
Clean Your Mouth After Removing Your Aligners
Once you have removed your aligners, it’s important to brush your teeth and tongue thoroughly. This will help to remove any plaque or bacteria that may have accumulated on your teeth or aligners while they were in your mouth. You should also floss your teeth to remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. You can use a water flosser to make flossing easier or you can use traditional floss.
Plus, Invisalign offers a cleaning kit that contains everything you need to clean your aligners and keep them in good condition. The kit includes an ultrasonic cleaner, which uses sound waves to clean your aligners, and a special cleaning solution. This solution is designed to remove any plaque or bacteria that may be stuck to your aligners.
Replace Your Aligners Every Two Weeks
Invisalign aligners must be replaced every two weeks, so make sure to keep up with this schedule. Wearing old aligners can cause them to become stained or discolored. Plus, old aligners may not fit as well as new ones and can cause your treatment to be less effective.
By replacing your aligners every two weeks, your dentist will be able to monitor your progress and make sure that your Invisalign treatment is on track. They can also make any necessary adjustments to your aligners so that they fit better and are more comfortable. It may be subtle, but you will notice a difference in the fit and comfort of your aligners after each replacement.
Store Your Invisalign Aligners in a Case
If you are not wearing your Invisalign aligners, make sure to store them in a case. This will help to keep them clean and free of dust or other particles. You should also avoid storing your aligners in direct sunlight or in a hot car because this can cause them to warp. Remember to rinse your aligners before you put them in the case and don’t put the aligners back in the case until they are completely dry.
Otherwise, they could develop mildew or bacteria. This is harmful to your oral health and can cause your aligners to become less effective. You may even need to get new aligners if your old ones become too damaged. This can cause delays in your treatment and may even require you to start over from the beginning.
Conclusion
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for everyone, but it’s especially important if you are wearing Invisalign aligners. Ultimately, the best way to maintain oral hygiene with Invisalign is to brush and floss your teeth regularly, rinse your aligners after eating or drinking anything besides water, and replace your aligners every two weeks. By following these simple tips, you can keep your smile healthy and bright throughout your Invisalign treatment. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits that Invisalign has to offer – a straighter smile and a more confident you.