Did you know that having crooked or overcrowded teeth can impact more than just your appearance? In addition to denting your self-confidence, they also can harm your dental health. It’s hard to reach all their surfaces to thoroughly brush and floss them, which leaves you at an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Fortunately, your orthodontist can straighten your smile with Invisalign. This clear alternative to braces utilizes clear, plastic trays that fit over your teeth to gently shift them over time. However, properly caring for them is essential to stay on track with your treatment timeline. Continue reading to learn three helpful hints for keeping your Invisalign in good shape!
Tip #1: Scrub Them Regularly
You’ll be required to wear your aligners for 22 hours every day, which gives bacteria plenty of time to form a layer of plaque on the surface. This can leave your clear trays looking cloudy or yellow, which defeats the purpose of “invisible” orthodontics.
Thankfully, you can prevent this by taking them out twice daily to thoroughly wash them clean. To do so, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap or toothpaste that won’t scratch the material. Be sure to softly scrub all the grooves and ridges to remove as many germs as possible, then rinse them off with gently running water before reinserting them and continuing your day.
Tip #2: Brush Your Teeth
Germs can get caught in the spaces between your teeth and your trays and work in tandem with acids from the food you eat to erode your enamel. This can cause cavities and gingivitis if you’re not careful.
You should brush and floss your teeth both morning and night to prevent this. This will preclude dental problems and help keep your grin looking and feeling fresh throughout your treatment. It also ensures that you put your trays back into a clean mouth after removing them and scrubbing them down.
Tip #3: Avoid Abrading Them
You’ll switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth. Because they’re not intended to be worn for very long, the material they’re made of is softer and more comfortable than the metal brackets of traditional braces. However, it can also be more easily damaged.
Avoid using harsh products to clean your trays, as this might erode or damage the plastic. Also, heat can warp them so they no longer fit, potentially adding several weeks to your treatment timeline. To keep them in good shape, steer clear of abrasive products or temperatures.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can keep your Invisalign in prime condition!
About the Author
Dr. David Cordes has more than two decades of experience helping people of all ages improve their daily quality of life by enhancing their smiles. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontics, so you can trust that your grin is in good hands. Plus, he stays on top of the latest advancements in technology and techniques, so you know you’re always getting the most up-to-date treatments. You can request a consultation appointment by contacting the office on the website or call (413) 562-8100.