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://copdo.com or call Colorado Precision Dentistry at (303) 481-0565 for an appointment in our Highlands Ranch office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Invisalign in Highlands Ranch, CO.
There are many misconceptions about Invisalign, including that it only works if your teeth are just slightly crooked. This is far more than a retainer and can certainly help to straighten your teeth, regardless of how crooked they are. In rare cases, crooked teeth need actual braces but this usually due to a severe misalignment…
A dental bridge might be the right treatment if you have lost one or more teeth and want to enhance your oral health and self-esteem. The dental bridge can restore your smile’s appearance and allow you to chew normally once more. If you are considering this treatment, this article outlines all the steps involved so…
Cosmetic surgeons use dermal fillers to smoothen fine lines and even add youthful volume to facial skin. Yet, because of advances in cosmetic dentistry, you can get fillers with your smile makeover as well. Dermal fillers can help brighten your smile even more. If you want to find out how dentists use dermal fillers, here…
A family dentist serves as the front line of defense for oral health and preventive care. They can see patients from childhood all the way through their lives, allowing for a level of continued care, attention, and personal knowledge that is unmatched among other types of dental offices. If you are considering what kind of…
A dental bridge might be the right treatment if you have lost one or more…
Cosmetic surgeons use dermal fillers to smoothen fine lines and even add youthful volume to…
Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…
A person’s smile comprises many parts, each contributing to the overall aesthetic, including teeth alignment,…
There are several treatment options available for patients with sleep apnea. The following is a…
Learn how composite bonding can be used during your smile makeover to enhance your smile.…
