Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces for many reasons. Because Invisalign aligners are transparent, they are virtually invisible in a patient’s mouth. As such, they correct a patient’s smile as effectively as traditional braces do without any negative aesthetic impacts during treatment.
Patients who opt for Invisalign treatment should ask their dentists about how to maintain Invisalign retainers and trays. Following a dentist’s instructions regarding how to properly use and care for Invisalign aligners is key to achieving optimal results. In the meantime, the following tips will help.
Use a Toothbrush
The same tool you use to clean your natural teeth can also help you clean your Invisalign aligners and retainers. Just make sure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching your Invisalign trays.
You should also exclusively use lukewarm water to clean your Invisalign retainers and trays when brushing them. Toothpaste can be too abrasive and may cause damage.
Use Invisalign’s Cleaning Products
There’s no shortage of products on the market that claim they can help you thoroughly clean Invisalign retainers and trays. Knowing which products legitimately deliver on their promises may be a challenge.
Ask your dentist for recommendations. They may be able to explain which products are and are not worth your money.
That said, Invisalign offers its own cleaning system. If you want to simplify the process of choosing a cleaning system, choosing this one and following the provided instructions is a wise idea.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
You may not need to shell out cash to buy a specialized Invisalign cleaning system. You might be able to clean your Invisalign retainers and trays using simple household products.
Find a container large enough to soak your Invisalign retainers and aligners in. Fill the retainer with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Submerge your Invisalign aligners or retainers in the solution for a minimum of 15 minutes and up to half an hour. Remove them from the solution and rinse them gently with lukewarm water.
Why You Need to Clean Your Invisalign Aligners & Retainers
Invisalign aligners work by shifting the position of your teeth. To do so, they must exert a certain amount of pressure. Thus, Invisalign aligners tend to fit snugly.
A snug fit is necessary for the Invisalign system to deliver results. However, it also means that bacteria on the aligners will come into contact with a patient’s teeth.
Cleaning Invisalign trays and retainers on a regular basis removes bacteria, guarding against cavities and other such oral health issues a patient might otherwise be at risk of developing.
Ask Your Dentist About Cleaning Invisalign Retainers & Trays
Patients should typically clean their Invisalign aligners at least twice a day. Ideally, they should clean their aligners upon waking up and before going to sleep.
Anyone considering the Invisalign treatment method should also keep in mind that the information here is general. To learn more about cleaning your invisalign retainers and trays, speak with your dentist. They’ll gladly answer your questions on this topic.
Learn More About Invisalign in Belmont, MA
At Belmont Family Dentistry, we can explain whether you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment. We can also discuss the cost of Invisalign to help you determine whether you can afford this treatment option. Call us today at 617-484-1760 or contact us online to request an appointment.