The growing need for straighter teeth and a good-looking smile is why more people are turning to treatments such as Invisalign®. After getting the aligner trays, it is important to clean them properly. In this article, you will learn about the importance of cleaning Invisalign trays and a few care tips.
Just as brushing the teeth every night is important, knowing how to clean Invisalign trays is vital for oral health. First, one of the reasons that people prefer Invisalign over braces is the invisibility or discreetness. However, they need to be cleaned regularly to maintain the invisibility; otherwise, stains will form over the trays and they will start to yellow.
Good oral hygiene practices not only keep the aligners trays invisible but also help prevent bad breath. Food particles can get trapped in the Invisalign trays. This can encourage the spread of bacteria, which in turn, causes bad breath. Regular cleaning can help keep the mouth smelling good.
Cleaning the trays helps prevent tooth decay. Decay develops when food particles accumulate between the teeth and on the aligners. Bacteria feast on the food debris, causing plaque. Plaque, in turn, causes cavities or tooth decay and gum disease. These oral issues are uncomfortable and costly to treat and can extend treatment duration.
Food particles can get trapped between the teeth. Using the trays without brushing the teeth can prevent saliva from cleaning the mouth naturally. Keeping the teeth clean through brushing and flossing keeps the Invisalign trays clean as well.
Every time the tray comes off the teeth, they will need to be cleaned properly. Soaking and rinsing the tray with ordinary water will not be enough to prevent bacteria accumulation. Instead, a clear, scentless soap that will not tint the aligner is advisable. That way, one can wear the trays without getting a weird taste. Denture cleaners and Invisalign cleaning crystals can also be used.
When cleaning the trays, hot water should never be used for disinfection. The aligners are created with thermoplastic materials that will cause them to deform in hot water. Cold water, on the other hand, can cause the trays to contract. Room-temperature water is preferable. Toothpaste should never be used because it can cause staining.
The Invisalign aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours per day. The remaining two hours are meant for soaking. The trays should soak in warm water containing cleaning crystals for about 20 minutes. Patients can brush the trays afterward and dry them properly to prevent moisture from causing stains. The cleaning should be done daily to keep the trays free of dirt and stains.
If you have recently started your Invisalign journey, you need to be proactive about oral hygiene and cleaning. If you need additional information, be sure to ask the general dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://testcummingsfamilydentist.dgdevnext.com or call Cumming's Family Dentist at (770) 205-9226 for an appointment in our Cumming office.
The Invisalign® aligner system is an efficient solution to straighten teeth without the drawbacks of conventional braces, such as dietary restrictions. Many individuals are wary of getting braces because they think that doing so will limit their diet options. Invisalign offers many advantages over traditional braces, including being able to consume an unrestricted variety of…
For those seeking a straighter smile, Invisalign® is a popular and effective choice for dental patients of various ages. Using clear aligner trays, this system provides a more discreet treatment option, often with less discomfort and in less time than traditional braces. Straightening crooked teeth can result in a host of helpful benefits:Improved appearanceFewer headachesReduced…
For patients in need of orthodontic care for a variety of issues, such as tooth gaps, crooked teeth or misaligned bites, both Invisalign® and traditional braces are potential treatment options. While many people seek a straight answer to which one of these alternatives is ideal, there are several factors that determine which route is better…
An Invisalign® consultation is an important element to consider. This teeth-straightening system is becoming more popular. It offers custom-fit, clear aligners to apply gradual pressure on your teeth. These aligners will then straighten your teeth without brackets and wires. Achieving this success needs a thorough consultation. Here are the details about how an Invisalign consultation…
You probably already know that Invisalign® trays look very different than traditional braces, but you may not know how ideal Invisalign is for many teens. Older teens are often very active in sports or might worry about how others think about teeth-straightening devices. The clear trays of Invisalign are less conspicuous than traditional braces. You…
For a long time, if a person wanted straighter teeth, the only option was traditional braces. However, the introduction of Invisalign® in 1999 changed that. This treatment involves a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth and gradually guide the teeth into the desired position. Many patients prefer aligners…