Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth without traditional metal braces. The clear plastic aligners are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth and gradually move their teeth into the desired position. With Invisalign, patients can go about different activities feeling confident about their smile.
While Invisalign is an effective and convenient treatment, it is important to remember that proper care and maintenance of your aligners are essential for achieving the best results. Invisalign aligners can become discolored, warped, and cracked if not properly handled.
If you don’t clean your aligners, bacteria and plaque can build up and cause the plastic to become brittle and weak. It can lead to your aligners becoming damaged and needing to be replaced.
Wear Aligners as Prescribed
Wearing your Invisalign aligners, as your orthodontist prescribes, is essential for caring for your aligners. Not doing so can cause the aligners to become worn out, which can cause your teeth to move back to their original positions.
Plastic is not an indestructible material. The plastic can become stressed and weakened when you don’t wear your aligners. Not wearing them for 22 hours a day can cause the aligners to become brittle and more prone to cracking or breaking.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining your Invisalign aligners. Not only can it help keep your aligners looking and smelling their best, but it can also help ensure that your Invisalign treatment is as successful as possible.
If not kept clean, bacteria, plaque, and food particles can build up between your teeth and around your aligners. These can cause your aligners to become discolored, foul-smelling, and stained.
Clean Aligners Daily
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is an essential part of taking care of them. Be sure to brush them with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste twice daily and rinse them in lukewarm water. It will help keep your aligners looking their best and will help them last longer.
If you don’t clean your aligners, they can start to stain. The trapped dirt can make them look dingy and unattractive. In addition, it can be challenging to remove the stains, so you may need to replace your aligners. It can also lead to bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Avoid Eating While Wearing Aligners
Eating and drinking while wearing your aligners can damage them, resulting in a longer treatment time and added cost. Food particles and liquids can get stuck to your aligners, making them difficult to remove. It can cause them to become scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged. If this happens, you’ll need to purchase new aligners, which can be costly.
If you drink anything other than water with your aligners, the liquid can get trapped between the aligners. This discoloration can be difficult to remove and require professional cleaning to restore them to their original condition.
Avoid Using Hot or Boiling Water in Cleaning Your Aligners
The heat from the water can cause the plastic to bend and warp. It can cause the aligners not to fit correctly and can cause them to become uncomfortable. It can also cause the plastic to become brittle and eventually break. Your aligners can be unusable and can result in costly replacements.
While you should avoid hot water, some safe cleaning methods remain. It is recommended to use lukewarm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the aligners. You can also use a denture cleaner to help remove any plaque or debris.
Store Your Aligners When Not in Use
It’s essential to keep your aligners safe and secure. The best way to do this is by storing them in a specially designed case when they’re not in use.
Aligners are made of a flexible material, so they can quickly become damaged if not properly taken care of. Keeping your aligners in a case when not in use helps protect them from accidental damage. Without a case, your aligners may get bent or scratched, making them ineffective.
When your aligners aren’t in your mouth, they’re exposed to the environment, and keeping them as clean as possible is essential. Keeping them in a case helps free them from dirt, dust, and other contaminants.
Consult Your Orthodontist About Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option that has helped millions of people worldwide achieve a straighter, more confident smile. If you’re looking for an experienced and trustworthy provider of Invisalign in Washington, DC, Kumra Orthodontics may be the right choice for you. With a team of skilled orthodontists, state-of-the-art technology, and a commitment to personalized patient care, Kumra Orthodontics can help you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. So why wait? Schedule a consultation with Kumra Orthodontics today and take the first step toward a better smile!
