Invisalign aligners should be regularly cleaned to maintain oral health and hygiene.
If you choose to undergo Invisalign treatment, it is important to remember that
your aligners should be cleaned on a regular basis. Even though you will
replace your aligners with a new set every few weeks, it is essential that you
keep them clean — for the sake of your oral health and hygiene. Read on
to find out how to keep your clear aligners in good condition throughout the
course of treatment…
Commit to a daily habit
In order to keep your clear aligners looking and smelling fresh, you should clean them every day. While simply rinsing them is fine after eating and drinking throughout the day, you should give them a thorough clean every evening. Begin by removing your aligners and rinsing them with water — this will help to remove any food particles or debris from the day. Next, brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle soap. Rinse them again with water before putting them back in your mouth.
You can also soak your clear aligners in a specially formulated sterilising solution. This solution contains cleansing agents, which help to gently remove bacteria and debris. It is important to note, however, that certain cleansers should be avoided as they can cause damage to your aligners — these include denture cleaners, mouthwashes, scented soaps and toothpaste.
Take care of your aligners
Besides regular cleaning, there are a number of other ways in which you can take care of your aligners. For example, you should always remove your aligners when eating — this prevents damage, as well as the accumulation of food particles in your aligners. It is also important that you take your aligners out of your mouth when you drink anything other than water. Most beverages can stain your aligners over time.
When you clean your aligners, remember to avoid very hot water as this can cause the plastic to warp. Any time that you are not wearing your aligners (when you are eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, for example) you should store them in an airtight container. This will help to prevent them from damage and also protect them from harmful bacteria.
Why consider Invisalign?
There are a number of benefits to choosing Invisalign. The treatment is often very well-suited to patients who would like to straighten their teeth, but would prefer a more discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. In fact, clear aligners are virtually invisible.
Because Invisalign aligners can be removed, there are no dietary restrictions throughout the course of treatment. The aligners can also be removed for special events, like weddings or sports games, which makes them a convenient option. Please note, however, that aligners should ideally be worn for at least 22 hours a day in order to achieve optimal results.
Another benefit of Invisalign aligners is that they are very comfortable. They are made from medical-grade plastic, and unlike traditional braces, do not involve the use of metal and wire pieces that can lead to cuts and scrapes.
How can we help?
At G Dental, we offer a number of cosmetic treatments,
including Invisalign. If you are considering the treatment, we encourage you to
come in for a consultation. During your consultation, your dentist will produce
a 3D digital image of your teeth, which will then be used to fabricate your
aligners in a laboratory. Because the aligners are custom-made, they are very
comfortable to wear.
Your dentist will let you know how often you should replace your aligners, and
what you can expect from your treatment in terms of duration. If you have any
questions about how to clean your clear aligners or how to maintain your oral
health and hygiene during your treatment, our team is happy to help.
If you would like to find out more about Invisalign, and what the process involves, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on 03 9435 6063.