In order for your oral health to stay in the best condition, you want to keep as much harmful bacteria at bay as best as possible, this applies if you have braces and if you don’t. When something is introduced to the mouth however, like fixed braces, removable braces and Invisalign aligners, it can attract more bacteria than normal, allowing it to build up in and around brackets and wires, and inside the clear aligner.
With Invisalign, even though you have a reduced chance of bacteria and food particles being caught around the brackets attached to your teeth, it is still vitally important to keep your trays clean in order for your oral health to remain in top condition.
Why it’s Important for your Oral Health to Keep your Invisalign Trays Clean.
Invisalign trays need to be cleaned thoroughly, multiple times a day, to help prevent bacterial growth which can contribute to dental issues further down the line. The more time bacteria spends in the mouth and on the teeth the more chance for cavities to appear and tooth decay to become present, which could ultimately lead to tooth loss and other gum diseases. Not to mention discolouration of the aligners, which can make your teeth appear yellow and cause bad breath.
How Often you Should Clean your Invisalign Aligners.
Invisalign aligners and retainers should be cleaned multiple times a day, morning, and night, to ensure that food and bacteria are removed throughout the day and before you go to sleep. You could clean your aligners at the same as you brush and floss your teeth, then you are putting your clean aligner back into a clean mouth, which is great for your oral health. It’s advisable also to give your Invisalign trays a rinse every now and then, in between cleanings, to keep food particles from getting trapped and keep them looking new for as long as possible.
Your Guide to Keeping your Invisalign Trays Clean.
A thorough cleaning is needed morning and night, but with more emphasis on nighttime cleaning as your aligner stays put for a good number of hours before it is taken off and cleaned again. It’s helpful to think that whenever you go to bed, whatever has been left on your teeth and the aligner will remain there until morning, so practice getting well acquainted with the below routine:
- Rinse your aligners every night with water.
- Brush aligner or retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle, clear liquid soap, to remove food particles and debris accumulated during the day.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing.
- When not in use, store your retainer or aligner in a protective case.
- Repeat in the morning after wearing overnight.
Investing in Invisalign Care.
You don’t have to spend more money to ensure the cleanliness of your Invisalign aligners, however, if you really want to ensure their upkeep you can try the Invisalign cleaning crystals. The crystals contain cleansing agents such as sodium sulphate and dissolve in water which is used to soak your aligners. We also recommend a mild liquid soap in cool water. Never use warm water to clean your aligners as they could distort.
Alongside ensuring your Invisalign aligners are properly cleaned, it’s important to ensure you are caring for them too. Some best practices when it comes to the care of your Invisalign aligners and retainers are:
- Whilst wearing your Invisalign, refrain from drinking anything other than water, to reduce the risk of staining or damaging them.
- Remove your Invisalign before eating to ensure food particles don’t build up in them and damage the aligners.
- Only use cool water to rinse and clean.
- Use an airtight container to store them in when not in use to protect them from bacteria and damage.
Blackburn Orthodontics: Help from your Expert Orthodontist in Blackburn.
Here at Blackburn Orthodontics, our most popular hidden brace system is Invisalign, due to their ease of use and discreetness. Invisalign is custom-made for your teeth, making them excellent at straightening crooked, gappy, and overlapping teeth. The Invisalign aligners are wafer-thin, made from medical-grade plastic, and work by gently and gradually moving your teeth from their present position to the desired position.
If you would like to speak to us about Invisalign, contact your specialist orthodontist in Blackburn to book or discuss an initial free consultation and find out more about Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments available.
Your expert orthodontist in Blackburn is waiting to help you get the smile of your dreams.
