One of the great things about living in today’s world is the fact that you don’t need to settle for a smile that you aren’t confident showing off. If you are dealing with misalignment issues, you can straighten your teeth without the need for a mouthful of metal brackets and wires. Instead, you can choose Invisalign. This treatment involves a series of clear aligners that slowly move your teeth into their new, rightful locations. However, caring for Invisalign aligners is a must! Here are some tips to help you keep them in good shape.
Soak Aligners Daily
You should use Invisalign cleaning crystals in order to soak your aligners once a day. This will make it much easier for you to brush away any food particles or plaque that is stuck to them. Rinse your aligners thoroughly afterwards before placing them back into your mouth.
Rinse Your Aligners
Whenever you remove your aligners, you should give them a good rinse. To clean them, use an antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. This helps to remove the food particles that are stuck to them.
Brush Your Teeth
Before you put your aligners back in, you should always brush and floss your teeth. This way, you can keep any food particles from becoming trapped against your teeth. If you don’t brush beforehand, your aligners will become dirty and you will be more likely to develop dental issues, like tooth decay.
Clean Your Aligners in the A.M.
Whenever you wake up in the morning, this is an excellent time for you to give your teeth and aligners a thorough brushing. Bacteria build up in your mouth as you sleep. When you clean your aligners, you can leave yourself with a fresher smile and better oral hygiene.
Remove Your Aligners Before Eating
The only thing that you should be ingesting when you are wearing your Invisalign aligners is water. If you want to eat or drink anything else, you should remove them first. If you don’t, food particles can become stuck and increase your risk of developing cavities. Your aligners can become discolored and stained as well. They were not meant to be able to handle the pressure of chewing.
Use the Right Soap
When you clean your aligners, you should avoid using colored or scented soaps. They can cause discoloration and leave a residue behind. Choose soaps wisely when you are using them to clean your trays.
Invisalign is an excellent teeth straightening option, but you need to care for your aligners. This way, you will have a beautiful, aligned smile in no time!
About the Practice
At Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry, you have two experienced dentists providing quality care to their patients in Orange Park. Dr. Steven Crovatto and Dr. Megan Edwards both earned their Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees from the University of Florida. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (904) 606-1788.