Nowadays, straightening your teeth has become a discreet affair. With clear aligners, one has to focus on them to realize that there is something on your teeth. One of the aligners options available is Invisalign®. They are a series of clear aligner trays that are discreet and comfortable. They improve your bite, align your teeth, and transform your smile.

 

For Invisalign aligners to serve you effectively, you need to take care of them. Thankfully, this is an easy affair. Here are some tips to help you.

 

Rinse Your Aligners Regularly

One of the best ways to remember to rinse your aligners is to do it as soon as you remove them. Rinse them in the morning when you wake up and in the evening before sleeping. During the day, you can run some clean water over them to remove lingering saliva. Saliva contains plaque and bacteria that can build up and harm your teeth.

Soak Them

Use lukewarm, not hot water. The water should also not be too cold. Extreme temperatures can denature the plastic. Lukewarm water will help remove bacteria and food particles without harming your aligners.

You can soak them in equal parts of lukewarm water and vinegar or use Invisalign cleaning crystals. Drop the crystals into the cup of lukewarm water, then put your aligners into the mixture. Soak for 15 to 30 minutes. The solution is effective in removing bacteria, plaque, and food particles.

Clean Them

You can use a toothbrush on your aligners. However, make sure that the bristles are soft. Otherwise, you could end up harming them. Also, remember to use a different brush from the one you use regularly. Do not use too much force as you clean. It can leave marks and scratches on your aligners.

Do Not Use Toothpaste

Most toothpaste brands are abrasive. They will damage your aligners, leaving marks and scratches on the smooth surface. It spoils the beauty of the aligners and leaves tiny grooves where bacteria and plaque can hide. It may seem like a quick and easy solution but makes it hard to clean your aligners.

 

It is better to use antibacterial soap and lukewarm water, but make sure you rinse all the soap out. Let the aligners dry before putting them back in your mouth.

 

Brush and Floss

Keep up your oral hygiene when using aligners. So, regularly brush and floss your teeth. When you wake up, remove your trays and rinse them thoroughly. Afterward, brush your teeth as usual. Make sure you devote two minutes to brushing your teeth. If you prefer, you can floss in the evening. When you do, make sure you do it thoroughly.

When you brush and floss, you prevent the buildup of bacteria. The bacteria cause changes in your breath over time. They will also increase your risk of getting oral diseases. To avoid these dental complications, take care of your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing. It will keep your breath fresh and protect your oral health.

For more information on taking care of your Invisalign aligners, contact Riverview Dental at our office in Corunna, Michigan. You can call (989) 743-4851 today to schedule an appointment.