As an effective teeth-straightening treatment option, Invisalign aligners are used by millions of people around the world for transforming their looks and gaining their confidence back. Invisalign offers a host of benefits such as being removable and transparent thereby allowing people to straighten their teeth discreetly. However, getting the best out of your Invisalign treatment boils down to adequate Invisalign care.
This means that you will need to play an active role in ensuring that your Invisalign journey yields a successful outcome. Below are some Invisalign care best practices you should adopt to guarantee a good treatment outcome.
Keeping your aligners clean
Knowing how to keep your Invisalign aligners clean is a crucial part of Invisalign care. Some helpful tips you can use include;
1. Soaking the aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals
Invisalign cleaning crystals are created specifically for getting rid of bad odours, stains and bacteria build-up from Invisalign aligner trays. To clean your aligners with Invisalign cleaning crystals, start by adding the crystals to the recommended amount of water and then proceed to soak the aligners in them. Soaking should be done for about 15 minutes before you brush, rinse and replace the aligner trays.
If you’re unsure about how to use the cleaning crystals, you can talk to your certified Invisalign Surrey provider for a step-by-step guide on how to use the cleaning crystals.
2. Brush your aligners twice daily
Another practice you should adopt is brushing your aligners every morning and evening. This is to ensure that there are no bacteria or plaque build-up inside the aligner trays. Brushing should be done gently with toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
3. Always keep your aligner trays in their case
In addition to making sure you don’t lose them, storing your aligner trays in their case ensures that they are not exposed to bacteria or at risk of being damaged. Every time you take out your aligner trays to either eat or drink, develop the habit of keeping them in their case till you have to wear them again.
Regular dental check-ups
As with any orthodontic treatment, your Invisalign journey needs to be closely monitored by your dentist. During these check-ups, your dentist will check your progress with the treatment and also determine if it’s time to switch out your aligner trays for newer ones. Visiting your dentist regularly also allows you to discuss whatever issues or questions you might have about caring for your Invisalign.
Adopt a healthy oral hygiene routine
It is not enough to keep your aligner trays clean, your entire mouth has to be clean as well. This is because when you eat, food particles can adhere to your teeth and subsequently become trapped inside your aligners which can lead to plaque or bacteria build-up. If this happens, the plaque collected along the gum line can lead to gingivitis and other serious oral issues.
By adopting a healthy oral hygiene routine such as brushing twice daily, flossing at least once a day and cleaning your teeth every time you take out your aligner trays, you will be able to prevent any plaque or bacteria build-up.
You should also schedule regular appointments with a dental office which offers the services of a dental hygienist for professional teeth cleaning and education on proper dental care.
Conclusion
Invisalign is highly effective when it comes to treating crooked or misaligned teeth. However, getting the best outcome from the treatment is only achievable when you actively do your part by adopting the best care practices for your Invisalign.