Top Tips for Taking Care of Your Invisalign® Aligners

A beautiful smile radiates confidence! More than that, it also tells other people that you have good oral and overall health. But not everyone can show off a beautiful smile. If your teeth are misaligned, you’d probably keep any smile to yourself. But fret not, you can now align your problematic teeth and do so inconspicuously. If you are one of those not particularly enamored with traditional metal and wire braces, you can now get yourself clear aligners.

Clear aligners are a great choice if you want to avoid the metal mouth look of braces. They are not as noticeable as braces, and they are also not as uncomfortable. You can remove them to brush your teeth or eat. They are easier to maintain—but they need a lot of discipline on your part. With that said, here are some top tips to help you take care of your Invisalign® aligners.

Rinse Your Aligners

You will have to remove your Invisalign aligners when you are eating. Make sure you rinse them immediately. You cannot afford to procrastinate—rinsing is crucial because your mouth is full of bacteria that sticks to tiny food particles and your aligners.

When you rinse them, you get rid of the bacteria. Otherwise, you will return the aligners with the bacteria in your mouth and cause buildup. It could result in cavities or gum disease.

Use Lukewarm Water

Use lukewarm water when you are cleaning your Invisalign aligners. It will help remove the bacteria and food particles. Also, the temperature of the water will not denature the plastic. Make sure you do not use hot or freezing cold water.

Soak Them

Soak your aligners in equal parts of lukewarm water and vinegar. The solution is effective for cleaning them. There are other cleaning agents you can use, but this method is easy, safe, and costs less than cleaning agents. Let the aligners soak for about 15 to 30 minutes. It will get rid of bacteria and food particles stuck in them.

Clean Them

Another cheap way of cleaning your aligners is using lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. However, make sure you rinse all the soap out thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush as you clean them. Remember to use a different one from the one you use for your teeth.

Do not clean with too much effort, as it can leave scratches and marks on your aligners. It will spoil the aesthetics. Cleaning them helps with maintenance and ensuring they are fresh.

Brush and Floss

Brush and floss your teeth before wearing your Invisalign aligners. It helps prevent the buildup of bacteria. Bacteria causes changes in your breath over time. They can also cause gum disease and cavities. To avoid these dental complications, take care of your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing. It will keep your breath fresh and protect your oral health.

Avoid Using Toothpaste

Toothpaste is abrasive and can damage plastics. It scratches the smooth surface of the aligners and spoils its aesthetics. The tiny scratches can harbor bacteria even after soaking and cleaning them. The use of toothpaste may seem like a quick and easy solution, but it may turn out to be a costly one.

For more information about taking care of your Invisalign aligners, visit Ofir Orthodontics at our office in Downey, California. You can call (562) 396-9820 today to schedule an appointment.