The use of invisible aligners is an excellent opportunity to get your teeth straightened discreetly without the treatment impacting your daily life.
But, unlike braces, aligners are removable, so it can come as a surprise for many people who use them that caring for them is very different from caring for other orthodontic tools.
So, with that in mind, what are some of the best care tips for looking after invisible aligners?
Care for your teeth
It would help if you aimed to brush and floss your teeth before wearing your aligners. This cleaning will help remove any food particles or plaque that could potentially get trapped between your teeth and the aligners. This will also help prevent any unwanted odours or discolouration of the aligners.
Remember that when you wear Invisalign Sydney, they will be pressed against your teeth, so any food or debris that is on your teeth will be pressed against them, heightening the chances of tooth decay from occurring if the teeth are not cleaned. So, keep them clean!
Rinse the aligners
Whenever you take your aligners out, you need to rinse them thoroughly with cold water to remove any saliva or debris. Avoid using hot water, as this can warp or damage the aligners. Additionally, avoid using mouthwash or other cleaning products, as these can be too harsh and damage the aligners, and can also cause them to discolour.
Clean your aligners daily
In addition to rinsing your aligners, it is essential to clean them daily to prevent any buildup of bacteria or plaque. You can clean your aligners by gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild soap or detergent. You can buy crystals to help clean the aligners, but make sure you only soak them inside the aligners for around 30 minutes at a time. You should also avoid using toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch the aligners and make them more noticeable. Additionally, as tempting as it may be to put your aligners into a dishwasher, this can cause them to warp out of shape due to the heat; instead, always rinse them and soak them in cold water.
No eating or drinking
You should also avoid eating or drinking when wearing your aligners. Food particles and beverages such as coffee, tea, or red wine can stain or discolour the aligners, making them more noticeable. Also, eating whilst wearing your aligners can cause them to become damaged or misaligned. So, always take them out when you eat.
Store them properly
When not wearing your aligners, it is essential to store them properly to prevent damage or loss. You can keep them in the case provided by your orthodontist, making sure to rinse the case with water and let it air dry regularly. Avoid exposing the aligners to heat or sunlight, as this can warp or damage them.
Go to check-ups
Finally, you need to attend all scheduled appointments with your orthodontist to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Your orthodontist can also provide guidance on how to care for your aligners and answer any questions you may have.
DISCLAIMER OFFSITE
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
