When you get orthodontic treatment, there are specific ground rules to follow, one of which is strict cleaning and maintenance. If you have braces or aligners like Invisalign, you will need to dedicate some more time than usual to clean your teeth. The results are worthwhile, and not doing so hinders your goals for your dentition. Here are some more reasons cleaning your Invisalign is non-negotiable:
Your Invisalign may get stained
Clear aligners cannot stay clear if they get stained by food particles or drinks. Many types of food make Invisalign dull and stained. This makes it obvious you have aligners and defeats the cosmetic advantage of wearing them.
Your tray may carry bacteria
The bacteria in our mouth can accumulate on the Invisalign tray and worsen your oral health. Cleaning your teeth and your trays daily will prevent this.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Aligners
You must have received clear instructions from your orthodontist about the timeframe for wearing your aligners. You should only have them out when you are eating, drinking, or about to clean them. The best time to soak up your aligners will be when you are having a main meal. This way, it takes the necessary time to get cleaned up.
You will need to follow these guidelines in cleaning your aligners:
- You should soak your aligners in a clean glass or plastic cup filled with a cleaning solution.
- You can use a baking soda or vinegar solution to wash your aligners. For this, mix some vinegar with water thrice the amount and soak up for twenty minutes. You can also mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a cup half full of water and stir until it is dissolved.
- Alternatively, you can get a soft-bristled toothbrush (like a baby toothbrush) exclusively for cleaning your aligners. You can use clear hand soap with this toothbrush to gently go over all the parts of your aligners.
- Do note that you cannot use toothpaste on your aligners as they are harsh and abrasive and may cause scratches on your aligners, leaving them less than transparent.
- Using colored soap on your aligners can cause permanent stain damage, so ensure to use clear
- You will need to rinse off your aligners with cold or lukewarm water to get out any cleaning solutions
More Tips on Cleaning Aligners
- Heat may be great for cleaning surfaces, but they are a no-no for aligners. Any time of heat will cause your aligners to lose their shape and fit as they are delicately done. Your aligners should not be in a steamer or hot water.
- Cleaning the case you keep your aligners in is just as important. If uncleaned, your aligner case can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Be sure to wash your case with soapy water.
- Ensure to rinse your aligners before placing them back in your mouth. This is especially important if you’ve taken them out to eat. If you can, brush and properly rinse your teeth after eating, so that food particles and bacteria do not transfer to your tray.
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