There is no doubt that the removable trays of Invisalign aligners are very convenient. Your Invisalign dentist Massachusetts will recommend various methods for thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing them to ensure desirable results.
Remove Before Eating
Never eat or drink while wearing Invisalign trays. Doing so could cause particles of anything you consume to lodge onto the trays and encourage bacteria that lead to plaque and gingivitis.
Wash After Removing
It is necessary to clean your trays every time you remove them. Mild, colorless soap and lukewarm water will prevent staining and warping from extreme temperatures. You can use a soft-bristle toothbrush to access crevices gently, but avoid using toothpaste, which can be too abrasive.
Brush and Floss Before Wearing
Before replacing your aligners, be sure to brush and floss your teeth. Bacteria-forming food particles on your teeth can become trapped once you place the trays over your teeth. The bacteria can also transfer back to your aligner trays, where it can cause further damage.
Soak Daily
Soak your Invisalign trays in a solution of white vinegar and lukewarm water or a denture cleaner for at least 15 minutes per day. These solutions are gentle but will kill bacteria and remove odors before you reinsert the trays into your mouth. Invisalign also makes a kit that includes cleaning ingredients.
Keep Aligners in Their Case
When your Invisalign aligners are not in your mouth or soaking in a cleaning solution, always keep them in their case to avoid exposure to the air that leads to bacteria formation. Never place aligners that were not stored in a case directly into your mouth. Sanitizing them first will ensure adequate oral hygiene.
Invisalign trays are a convenient and effective way to correct teeth misalignment that can prevent you from having the smile you’ve always wanted. Keeping them clean is vital to ensuring the best results.