How to Maintain Proper Hygiene When Wearing Invisalign Braces

If you are someone who has opted for Invisalign instead of braces because of their virtue of being practically invisible, then read on. Cleaning your aligners will be an important part of your oral hygiene routine. If you don’t clean your Invisalign braces in the right manner after getting orthodontic treatment, then it can cause a lot of side effects. Not only will the stains and discolorations on the aligners look unsightly, but the built of dental plaque and bacteria will not be good for your oral hygiene. The aligners will start looking yellow and you will develop a foul mouth odor.

Clean Your Invisalign Braces Daily

There can be a build-up of bacteria on your aligners every night when you sleep. So, the best time to clean your aligners is when you wake up. Start the daily ritual of brushing your aligners when you are brushing your teeth.

Rinse your trays after every meal, so there is no build-up of bacteria on the aligner trays.

Brush your trays with a soft-bristled toothbrush, but avoid using warm water. Since your aligners are made of plastic, hot water can distort the shape.

Also, remember to brush and floss your teeth before putting your trays back on after every meal; otherwise, food particles will be trapped in your teeth inside the aligners, leading to dental issues.

Deep Cleaning Treatments

Soak your aligners in a denture cleaner, or use these treatments:

Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen Peroxide will fight off bacteria in your aligners. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water and soak your aligners for 20 minutes.

Remember to rinse your aligners properly before inserting them into your mouth.

Vinegar: You can also use vinegar to kill off bacteria. Mix one part vinegar and water and soak your aligners in them for 20 mins. Rinse them before putting them back into your mouth.

Keep an Extra Set for Travelling: You don’t want there to be any delays in your treatment, so it’s always good to have an extra pair handy when you are traveling, just in case you lose your pair.

Don’t Eat or Drink With Your Aligners: Your Invisalign trays are not built to withstand chewing, and they can get damaged if you try and eat with them.

This also makes it easier for food particles to get stuck between your teeth. Food and drink can also cause discoloration to your trays.

Toothpaste is Bad For Your Trays: Toothpaste with active fluoride might be great for your teeth, but toothpaste can cause discoloration to your teeth and actually damage them.

Toothpaste has abrasive ingredients which will make your aligners duller, and this will make them more noticeable in the mouth.

Proper orthodontic care is a must after you are wearing aligners. Your orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening will only work properly if you maintain proper oral hygiene. Your orthodontist will ideally advise you about how to keep your Invisalign trays clean.

If you are thinking of getting Invisalign, you need the best orthodontist to help you. Consider Dr. Jacob Koch of Koch Orthodontists in Lawrenceville, GA. He stays updated with all the current technology to offer you the best orthodontic treatment.

To find out what type of orthodontic treatment is best for you, call Koch Orthodontics, your orthodontist in Lawrenceville, GA today to schedule your initial consultation.