Are you undergoing orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® clear aligners? If so, taking care of your aligners is very important. Today, our Burnaby orthodontists tell you how to take care of your Invisalign® aligners so you can have the best results possible.
Taking care of your Invisalign® clear aligners is easy, and it's also an important part of the overall success of your treatment.
If you don't care for and clean your aligners or maintain regular oral hygiene habits, plaque and bacteria can build up and damage both your teeth and aligners over time.
Keeping Your Aligners Clean
Rinse. Any time you take out your aligners, remember to rinse them under running water before you put them back in your mouth.
Brush. When you brush your aligners (at least once or twice a day), never use toothpaste as it will harm them. Only use clear, anti-bacterial soft soap and warm water, and brush them gently.
Soak. You can soak your aligners in Invisalign®'s specialized cleaning crystals once a week. These crystals dissolve in water to create a solution for you to soak your aligners in.
Repeat. Following these steps during your treatment will help keep your aligners clean and free of the bacteria, plaque, and germs that can grow on them.
Brushing & Flossing Your Teeth
Ensuring your teeth stay clean will help keep your aligners clean and protect your oral health.
Routine brushing (at least twice a day) and regular flossing (at least once a day) are integral in preventing any plaque and bacteria accumulation under your aligners.
Preferably, you should brush and floss your teeth every time you take your aligners out and before you put them back in. If that's not possible, be sure to at least rinse the aligners and your mouth with water until you can get to your regular cleaning routine.
Visiting Your Orthodontist
On top of regularly cleaning your aligners and teeth, you must attend all scheduled appointments you have scheduled with your orthodontist.
Not only does this give your orthodontist a chance to monitor the progress of your teeth, but it also helps ensure you are on the right path in terms of caring for your aligners and following your treatment plan.