Having crooked or misaligned teeth can negatively affect your smile and quality of life. Fortunately, Hope Berman DMD provides Invisalign to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. If you have decided to use Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you need to take care of your Invisalign to ensure your treatment progresses as planned. Here are tips to take care of your Invisalign.
Brush and floss regularly
Your Invisalign aligners are in constant contact with your teeth and gums, so keeping them clean is crucial. After eating or drinking, properly brush your teeth and floss them before putting in your Invisalign. If you don’t, food particles and bacteria can become trapped between your aligners and teeth, leading to decay and bad breath. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums, and floss between your teeth and around your gum line.
Clean your Invisalign regularly
Just like your teeth, your Invisalign aligners need to be cleaned regularly. Make sure you brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or toothpaste. Avoid using hot water, as this can warp the plastic material of the aligners. You can also soak your aligners in a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria and freshen them up. Furthermore, clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in to avoid trapping any food particles between your teeth and aligners.
Avoid eating or drinking with your Invisalign
Eating or drinking with your Invisalign in your mouth can damage or stain your aligners. The aligners are not designed to handle the pressure or acidity of foods and drinks, and they can become discolored or warped. If you want to eat or drink anything, remove your aligners and put them in their storage case. After you finish, brush your teeth and rinse your aligners with lukewarm water before putting them back on.
Soak your Invisalign aligners daily
Invisalign aligners are made of a special plastic material that can dry out over time, leading to cracking and other issues. To avoid this, always keep your aligners hydrated by soaking them in water when you are not wearing them. Ensure the water is room temperature, and use a denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals to keep them clean.
Store your aligners properly
When you are not wearing your Invisalign aligners, store them properly to avoid losing them or damaging them. Keep them in a protective case or pouch, and never place them on a napkin or other surface where they can be easily lost or thrown away.
Avoid leaving your aligners in direct sunlight or a hot car, as this can cause warping or cracking. If you misplace or damage your aligners, contact your orthodontist immediately to avoid disrupting your treatment plan.
Follow your dentist’s instructions
Your dentist will provide specific instructions on how to care for your Invisalign, and it is important to follow them closely. They will tell you how often to wear your aligners, how long to wear them, and when to switch to the next set. They may also recommend certain cleaning products or techniques.
Call Oasis Dental Team PC to book your appointment for Invisalign.