Your mouth is the breeding ground and home for more than 700 different species of bacteria and other microbes.
Now some of these are great for your oral hygiene, but others? Not so much. In fact, a poor diet and improper maintenance can cause some truly toxic microbes to join the party.
And now that you’ve added Invisalign to the mix, you can bet that the stakes are even higher! There’s more square footage to be covered and more potential for decay.
So for as long as you’re using them, you need to maintain them as well as you do your own teeth! But you’ve got to do it right; so from San Diego Invisalign, here are a few tips to help you out.
1. Brush Off That Bacteria
Your aligners are molded to fit your teeth, so why not use a toothbrush to keep them clean?
Find yourself a nice, soft-bristled brush and gently scrub your aligners at least once a day to brush off any bacteria before they set up camp. Do remember not do overdo it, or else you might damage your Invisalign.
2. Soak, Rinse, Repeat
Create a nice little bath for your aligners to unwind in. You could use a bit of hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar or even just plain, lukewarm water should be good enough, so long as you do this every day. However, make sure you stay clear of hot water to avoid reshaping your aligners.
After you let it soak for a good 30 minutes, retrieve them and give them a good, thorough rinse. The vinegar or peroxide will help eliminate any unwanted bacteria from your aligners.
You can give them another quick soak for a more thorough cleaning.
3. Practice the Art of Prevention
There are a few things you can do to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place. Make sure you practice this art of prevention, at least most of the time, if not always.
- Avoid drinking staining drinks like coffee, tea, colas and juices with your aligners on.
- Do not eat with your aligners on.
There are some people who swear by using straws to drink sodas and other fizzy drinks, but the subject is surprisingly controversial. So we’d suggest to take off your aligners while consuming any drink unless you absolutely have to. And when that moment arises – use a straw!
4. Stay Travel Ready
Don’t forget about your aligners when you’re planning that long vacation or getaway. Make sure you’ve carried all the stuff you’re going to need to maintain your Invisalign.
Once you’ve got your cleaning routine figured out, you could create a little kit of products or things you use to clean them. Then the next time you need to head out, all you’ll have to do is pop the kit into your bag, and you’ll be good to go!
However, if you don’t already have one then consider making one now! Get out a piece of paper and write down what you need to practice your cleaning routine. Cleaning can be a bit of a chore, so make it as accessible and convenient as possible to save yourself those excuses!
5. Don’t Neglect Your Oral Hygiene
With all this emphasis on cleaning your aligners, don’t forget about the basics of oral hygiene. A large part of the bacteria on your Invisalign, if not all, comes from your teeth. So make sure you brush, floss, and follow an effective cleaning routine for your mouth. You should also maintain regular checkup appointments and cleanings with your hygienist.
And above all else, always remember to clean your teeth before you put your aligners back on.
6. Say No to Unnecessary Exposure
When you do take your aligners off, make sure you aren’t leaving them lying around to attract bacteria. Always keep your case handy; who knows when you’ll need it? If push comes to shove, and you’ve forgotten your case at home, make sure you clean them as soon as you get back.
Unwanted exposure can cause a lot of damage to your Invisalign and let’s face it, you’re just setting yourself up to lose them!
7. Keep Your Invisalign Away from Mouthwash & Fragrant Soaps
While you might think that a good soap or mouthwash are a good way to clean your Invisalign – they simply aren’t. Colored or fragrant soaps aren’t designed to be used on your aligners and can cause discoloration, leave a residue and damage your trays over time.
One of the appeals of using Invisalign is the fact that they are barely noticeable over your teeth. Using harsh soaps or mouth wash can cause them to become less transparent, get stains and ruin their aesthetic appeal. Instead, you can try special cleaners or foams designed especially for your trays.
If You Want to Get the Most out of Your Treatment, Maintenance Matters!
Don’t skimp out on the cleaning; you’re just going to regret it! Discoloration, damage, and bacteria are not things you want to deal with – so regular cleaning is in order.
Also, don’t forget that you have to replace your aligners every few weeks. Improper maintenance makes them less effective and your treatment will just last longer and be more difficult. You can invest in some cleaning accessories if it will make it easier, however, it isn’t always necessary.
If you have any doubts about whether you’re doing it right, be sure to consult a dentist or orthodontist and get their opinion.
Want to schedule a consultation for yourself? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you with all your Invisalign needs!