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://www.beverlyhillsfamilydentalgroup.com or call Beverly Hills Prestige Dental Group at (310) 286-9655 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Los Angeles, CA.
Understanding the pros and cons of Invisalign® and veneers is an important first step to deciding which treatment option is right for you. Many are familiar with Invisalign for a straighter smile, but fewer have heard of veneers for orthodontic treatment. This review offers insights into Invisalign and veneers as it relates to correcting teeth…
Considering Invisalign®? Many people turn to this treatment option in order to straighten teeth that are crooked, crowded, or protruding. However, what may be surprising to learn is that Invisalign® can also be used to correct bite issues. When Invisalign® first hit the market, its primary use was for teeth straightening, but as the technology…
Clear braces are transparent, which allows for a more discreet treatment process than with traditional metal braces. Many have heard about clear braces, but it is helpful to understand more about what they are exactly and who they are the most ideal for before deciding whether treatment is right for you.The more informed you are…
Treatment with braces can improve your oral health and help you smile with more confidence. However, there are important instructions to follow for treatment to be safe and effective. Among these instructions is important information on foods to avoid during treatment, as they can be damaging to your braces and your teeth. According to Healthline, many…
Our dental team can help you through the clear braces treatment process.
Preparing the tooth for the crown requires slightly smoothing down the surface of the tooth.
Professional teeth whitening treatments are the ideal way to get teeth whitened and they lead…
One of the best things about veneers is that they are a complete and comprehensive…
Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a…
It is essential for braces wearers to avoid eating certain foods while undergoing treatment. Read…
