Caring for and maintaining Invisalign is not as challenging as most people think. It is as easy as wearing them through the day and removing them at night. The key is to keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance. As a result, Invisalign should last long, beyond its expected life span.
Caring for your Invisalign aligners is an integral part of your orthodontic journey. Invisalign aligners are designed to be comfortable and practical. However, they require regular maintenance and care to stay in the best condition. But how do people do it? Here are some ideas.
1. Take Them Out
The most important part of caring for your Invisalign aligners is to take them out when you eat and drink. Removing them will prevent food and beverages from becoming trapped and staining the aligners. It is also essential to take them out when brushing your teeth.
Although it seems like they need to be worn all the time, removing them before eating will help to keep the aligners free of food particles and bacteria. Meanwhile, removing them before brushing their teeth should help maintain cleanliness as usual, getting into the gaps to clean them out.
2. Clean After Removal
When the aligners are taken out, it’s essential to clean them properly, ensuring they remain free of bacteria and food particles. It also helps to remove food particles by rinsing them in lukewarm water. After rinsing, gently brush the aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap.
Once clean, rinse them off with lukewarm water and let them air-dry on a clean towel. It is essential to avoid using hot water as this may cause the aligners to warp. Cleaning the aligners after removal should prevent them from developing a yellowish tint, making them look dirty.
3. Keep in Bacteria-Free Casing
When not in use, it’s essential to store the aligners in a case free of bacteria. It will help to keep them clean and free of any food particles or bacteria that might accumulate over time. The case will also ensure the aligners stay fresh, even after extended periods of not wearing them.
Ideally, the case should have a lid to keep the aligners safe and free from dust and dirt. It’s also essential to keep the case away from direct sunlight and heat, as this can cause the aligners to warp and deform. Lastly, it also helps to wash and disinfect the case once in a while.
4. Avoid Hard Food
It’s essential to avoid hard or crunchy foods while wearing aligners, as they can cause damage to the aligners. Hard foods can bend, break, or crack the aligners, leading to a costly repair. Instead, stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow.
It’s also important to avoid sticky foods, such as caramel, taffy, and gum, as these can get stuck in the aligners and cause damage. If you do choose to eat these types of foods, make sure you brush your teeth immediately afterward to remove any food particles.
5. Practice Good Oral Health
Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment. Make sure to brush and floss your teeth twice a day and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
It’s also important to avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as these can cause tooth decay and damage the aligners. If you eat sugary or acidic foods, brush your teeth immediately afterward.
Conclusion
Orthodontic treatment is a great way to improve your smile and boost your confidence. Following the tips above can help ensure that your treatment is successful and that you experience minimal discomfort. Remember to follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully and practice good oral hygiene to provide the best results.
Solarte Orthodontics is a family orthodontist dedicated to assisting adult and young patients in fixing their teeth. We offer braces in Manassas, correcting misaligned teeth to perfection. Learn more about orthodontists for adults by browsing our website today.
