If you just got Invisalign, congratulations! You’re one step closer to a beautifully straight smile. Now that the hard part is over, it’s up to you to ensure that your clear aligners are clean and working properly. Thankfully, your dentist in Orange Park has some pro tips on how to care for your aligning trays. Keep reading to learn how to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment while keeping your smile safe and healthy.
Can Invisalign Become Stained?
Because Invisalign is designed with clear plastic, your aligners can become stained if you’re not careful. After eating, it’s important to wash out your mouth before putting your aligners back in. Eating items like marinara sauce, blueberries, or any other foods rich in color can result in staining. To prevent this, be sure to brush your teeth after eating and before putting your aligners back in. Then, you can enjoy a clean and clear tooth straightening treatment.
How Should You Clean Your Aligners?
Now that you know that cleaning is important, you may be wondering about the best way to do it! First, place towels on your sink and floor. This may sound strange, but it can save your aligners from breaking or cracking if you drop them. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with room temperature water and nonabrasive toothpaste. This will successfully clean away bacteria and food debris without scratching the clear plastic. Additionally, it’s important to never wash your Invisalign with hot water because it can permanently warp the plastic.
Invisalign also sells their own cleaning system, and you can purchase it from the company or directly from your dentist. This system utilizes special cleaning crystals that rinse away debris on your aligners. While this system does cost extra, it can be worth it for a clean and sparkling smile.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Aligners?
You may be wondering why it’s so important to clean your aligners in the first place. When plaque, bacteria, and food debris cling to your aligning trays, they get trapped in between the plastic and your teeth. This raises your risk of problems like cavities and gum disease immensely.
Losing or Breaking Your Aligners
If you lose or break your aligners, don’t worry! Your dentist can give you a replacement. However, you should contact your dental office right away when it happens. The sooner you can get a replacement, the better your chances are of staying on track with your treatment plan.
Are you ready to successfully straighten your teeth with Invisalign? Remember these helpful tips to make it happen!
About the Practice
Dr. Steven Crovatto and Dr. Megan Edwards are a team of dentists who are committed to offering all of the oral healthcare services you need at the same convenient location. That’s why they have Invisalign along with other orthodontic options to help patients of all ages. For any questions, they can be reached through their website or by phone at (904) 272-0800.