Invisalign treatment offers patients a way to straighten their teeth with the unique benefit of discreetness. Many people elect Invisalign over braces for these reasons, and while they do require less maintenance than traditional braces, there are some steps you should take to keep them clean and safe. Keep reading to learn some of the best ways to care for your Invisalign clear braces from an expert dentist.
What is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear plastic aligning trays that are designed to gradually shift your teeth into place. To achieve a straight smile, you’ll wear these plastic aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. You’ll wear each tray for about 2 weeks, and then move on to the next one to keep your teeth shifting in a straight direction. Typically, this process takes 10 to 18 months, which is much shorter (on average) than traditional orthodontics.
After making this investment in your smile, you’ll want to take the best care of your aligners to make sure they stay clean, clear, and effective.
What’s the Best Way to Clean My Aligners?
Invisalign recommends using the Invisalign Cleaning System to clean your aligners, but you can also brush them with nonabrasive toothpaste and lukewarm water. You should never use hot water because it can warp the plastic of your aligners, causing them to fit improperly. Additionally, nonabrasive toothpaste ensures that you aren’t scratching your aligning trays.
Can My Aligners Become Stained?
Yes! That’s why it’s so important to clean your mouth after you eat and before putting them back in your mouth. Foods rich in color like blueberries or pasta sauce can stain the clear plastic, so you should brush your teeth after every meal to avoid discoloration.
What Should I Do if I Drop My Aligners?
It is important to always make sure your clear braces are clean and sanitary before putting them back in your mouth. So, if you drop them, be sure to clean them off. Invisalign recommends using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals to keep them clean and clear, but you can also use the method described above.
What Happens if I Break or Lose an Aligner?
If you misplace or break one of your aligning trays, contact your dentist as soon as possible to keep your treatment schedule on track. They will either recommend wearing a previous set of aligners or they will order replacements. A useful tip is to place a towel on your sink and floor while cleaning your aligners, so if they fall, they won’t immediately crack on the hard floor.
Now that you know some of the best ways to care for your clear braces, use these tips for the most successful and effective Invisalign treatment.
About the Practice
Dr. Steven Crovatto and Dr. Megan Edwards are an expert team of dentists who love building relationships with their patients. They take pride in offering Invisalign treatment to boost confidence and straighten smiles. They currently run their own practice, Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry, and they can be reached through their website or by phone at (904) 272-0800 for any questions.