Please read this letter prior to your appointment with Dr. Dougherty.
Cleaning Tips For Invisalign Aligners
Posted on 4/15/2020 by Harry L. Dougherty DDS, MS
Invisalign trays or aligners are common orthodontic treatment options for those who don't want to go the metal braces way. As discrete as they may be, they can easily turn into a health hazard and source of embarrassment if you don't take good care of them. To keep a beautiful smile and fresh breath, proper cleaning and maintenance of Invisalign aligners is essential to prevent discoloration and buildup of odor-causing bacteria.
Tips On How To Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean
It is very important for your oral health to keep your Invisalign aligners clean always. Here are tips on cleaning your Invisalign trays. Mild anti-bacterial soaps are an excellent choice for cleaning your trays as they kill any harmful bacteria, but don't corrode the surface of the aligners. This ensures they stay in a perfect condition for longer.
You Can Also Use Denture Cleaners
While brushing your teeth every morning and evening, immerse your Invisalign aligners in a denture cleaner or cleaning crystals and rinse before storage or putting them on. The accumulation of plaque and saliva can often breed bacteria that cause oral odors and it's important to clean the aligners every time you remove them.
Take Them Off Before Eating
Food particles can cause your aligners to retain a foul smell. It is therefore important to remove them before eating or taking drinks, especially fizzy drinks that result in unsightly discoloration. This also avoids tiny food particles getting stuck between your teeth and the tray, making it easy for you to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing your teeth regularly is as important as sanitizing your aligners. Failure to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits leads to tooth decay, odors, plaque and cavities that are even more difficult to address when you have aligner trays.
It is essential to floss often and brush your teeth at least twice daily to avoid dental issues that get complicated when you have orthodontic fittings. Call our clinic if you need recommendations on products that you can use to clean your Invisalign aligners.
Invisalign trays or aligners are common orthodontic treatment options for those who don't want to go the metal braces way. As discrete as they may be, they can easily turn into a health hazard and source of embarrassment if you don't take good care of them. To keep a beautiful smile and fresh breath, proper cleaning and maintenance of Invisalign aligners is essential to prevent discoloration and buildup of odor-causing bacteria.
