The growing need for straighter teeth and a good-looking smile is why more people are turning to treatments such as Invisalign®. After getting the aligner trays, it is important to clean them properly. In this article, you will learn about the importance of cleaning Invisalign trays and a few care tips.
Just as brushing the teeth every night is important, knowing how to clean Invisalign trays is vital for oral health. First, one of the reasons that people prefer Invisalign over braces is the invisibility or discreetness. However, they need to be cleaned regularly to maintain the invisibility; otherwise, stains will form over the trays and they will start to yellow.
Good oral hygiene practices not only keep the aligners trays invisible but also help prevent bad breath. Food particles can get trapped in the Invisalign trays. This can encourage the spread of bacteria, which in turn, causes bad breath. Regular cleaning can help keep the mouth smelling good.
Cleaning the trays helps prevent tooth decay. Decay develops when food particles accumulate between the teeth and on the aligners. Bacteria feast on the food debris, causing plaque. Plaque, in turn, causes cavities or tooth decay and gum disease. These oral issues are uncomfortable and costly to treat and can extend treatment duration.
Food particles can get trapped between the teeth. Using the trays without brushing the teeth can prevent saliva from cleaning the mouth naturally. Keeping the teeth clean through brushing and flossing keeps the Invisalign trays clean as well.
Every time the tray comes off the teeth, they will need to be cleaned properly. Soaking and rinsing the tray with ordinary water will not be enough to prevent bacteria accumulation. Instead, a clear, scentless soap that will not tint the aligner is advisable. That way, one can wear the trays without getting a weird taste. Denture cleaners and Invisalign cleaning crystals can also be used.
When cleaning the trays, hot water should never be used for disinfection. The aligners are created with thermoplastic materials that will cause them to deform in hot water. Cold water, on the other hand, can cause the trays to contract. Room-temperature water is preferable. Toothpaste should never be used because it can cause staining.
The Invisalign aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours per day. The remaining two hours are meant for soaking. The trays should soak in warm water containing cleaning crystals for about 20 minutes. Patients can brush the trays afterward and dry them properly to prevent moisture from causing stains. The cleaning should be done daily to keep the trays free of dirt and stains.
If you have recently started your Invisalign journey, you need to be proactive about oral hygiene and cleaning. If you need additional information, be sure to ask the general dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://franklincosmeticdentist.com or call Cedar Lane Family Dentistry at (317) 736-7476 for an appointment in our Franklin office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Franklin, IN.
Invisalign® is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Many are attracted to its benefits, such as the ability to align their teeth discreetly, comfortable wear, quick treatment times, and the ability to remove the appliance. However, before you settle on this treatment, we need to ensure you are approved for this type of…
Invisalign® clear aligners can fix a range of tooth alignment issues, including bite problems. This clear aligner system has given people of all ages straighter smiles discreetly and conveniently for years. However, many wonder if Invisalign is as effective at correcting issues such as overbites and underbites. Here is an overview of how Invisalign addresses…
Choosing to straighten teeth with clear aligners is a big decision, and knowing when to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign® dentist is essential. Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, making it a popular choice for patients seeking orthodontic treatment. Understanding the right time to meet with a provider ensures the best…
No matter how careful one may be when using Invisalign®, there is always a chance of the aligner trays breaking, cracking, or wearing down from daily use. Most patients switch their trays before this has the chance to happen, but sometimes it is unavoidable. What to do next will depend on when the tray broke…