Invisalign aligners are a terrific solution for many of those wanting to straighten their teeth. Invisalign can easily correct the majority of teeth problems without the need for wearing any metal brackets. Most people won't even notice you're using Invisalign aligners, which is one of its best features.
Your orthodontist will design your Invisalign aligners to fit your teeth perfectly, and you will be given instructions on how to care for the aligners. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to remember these particular guidelines at times. This is why many people make mistakes when taking care of their orthodontic appliances.
Keep reading for a list of common mistakes with cleaning your Invisalign to avoid them in the future.
1. Not cleaning your aligners daily
Think about your present cleaning routine for a moment. How frequently should your aligners be cleaned? Do you follow a schedule for that?
The best way to maintain the aligners fresh and odor-free is to clean them daily. A wonderful cleaning habit you should consider developing is cleaning your aligners every time you brush your teeth before going to bed.
You brush your teeth every day to remove food debris and bacteria. However, if you don't clean your aligners properly, food particles will be passed to your teeth. Cleaning your aligners while brushing and flossing your teeth is the most effective way to avoid this.
2. Using soap and mouthwash as cleaning products
What cleaning products do you use to keep the surfaces of your aligners free of plaque and bacteria? Are you using toothpaste, soap, or mouthwash to clean them? This is one of the most common mistakes.
Some of these products have the potential to not only damage or stain your aligners but may also be inefficient in keeping them clean. Consult your orthodontist about the best cleaning products for your aligners.
3. Not rinsing your aligners when removing them
One of the numerous advantages of opting for clear aligners is the ease with which they can be removed when necessary and replaced. For example, you can take out your clear aligners before meals and put them back in afterward. Also, you'll take them off every day for brushing and flossing.
The aligners must be cleaned each time you brush your teeth at night, but you also need to remember to rinse them each time you take them out. Remember that simply rinsing your trays is not enough to keep them clean.
4. Not using the cleaning tray
When you get your new aligners from the orthodontist, make sure to ask about the different cleaning tools and solutions made specifically for them. Cleaning your aligners can be made simple using the right cleaning products and tools.
One mistake would be to avoid purchasing these products and tools. Rubbing alcohol, sodium bicarbonate, and antiseptic are all cleaning products typically used for Invisalign. Most cleaning kits will advise you to mix these products in the cleaning tray. After soaking the aligners in the tray for the recommended time (about three minutes), rinse and pat them dry with warm water.
5. Not storing them in a container
What do you do with your aligners once you take them out? Are you making sure that you keep bacteria from getting to them? A bacterial buildup within your aligners might damage your teeth. To prevent this, put them in an airtight container when not in use. You will get a plastic box to store your aligners in. Carry this little box with you wherever you go so you always have a place to store your aligners that is both secure and safe.
