Have you recently started wearing Invisalign and aren’t sure of the best way to use this aligner in daily life? Or do you just need some tips to help you adapt to wearing it?
Here are some top do and don’t tips for wearing Invisalign, so read on and enjoy!
Dos of wearing invisible aligners
Clean them regularly
You want to keep your invisible aligners invisible, so this will mean that you have to clean them regularly. It will also help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
To remove debris from your aligners, dentists providing Clear Braces Direct London advise simply rinsing them under a cool tap and using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid using mouthwashes to clean your aligners, as this can cause staining. Aim to clean your aligners at least twice a day.
Wear them as directed
It can be oh so tempting to leave your aligners out of your mouth for prolonged periods, especially if you are busy.
But for your treatment to run on schedule and to prevent your teeth from reverting into their original positions, you must wear the aligners as directed by your dentist or orthodontist.
Soak them every day
Along with cleaning your aligners daily to remove debris, you will also need to soak them twice a day.
This will help to loosen any stubborn food debris and keep them fresh and clean! Once they have finished soaking, simply use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any stubborn food particles and you have perfectly clear, functional aligners.
Keep them in their case
If you are out and about and about to have lunch, you may feel it easier to simply toss your aligners into your bag.
However, this is not advised; this can cause them to become damaged or scratched, and so, you should keep them in their carry case. After all, it’s what it is there for!
Don’ts of wearing invisible aligners
Leave them in while eating
Yes, your invisible aligners are sturdy enough to move your teeth, but they cannot tolerate the pressure of you eating with them.
Similarly, if you are going to consume liquids with them in, you should only drink water; products such as tea, coffee or red wine can cause an accumulation of tannins to build up, leading to staining.
So, always place them in their case when you eat!
Expose them to heat
Invisalign is made from malleable plastic.
As such, it can be very easy to warp and thus should be kept away from heat. This includes hot water; if you think you have to clean your aligners using hot water to remove a stain please don’t! Instead it may be worth investing in a soft-bristled toothbrush or some cleaning crystals to help you remove debris.
Use harsh cleansers to clean them
You will be surprised at how delicate your aligners are; even using slightly abrasive toothpaste can lead to scratches, which may make them more visible.
Also, for your safety, you should avoid using harsh chemicals to clean them, as this can lead to poisoning in the worst-case scenario or just bad tasting aligners in the best case! So, stick to cool water and, if needed, purchase cleaning crystals recommended by your dentist.