This is a guest post from Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, founder of Coral Dental Care in Salem, Massachusetts.
Invisalign doesn’t require straightening your teeth with metal and wire braces anymore. These clear trays are like blessings for those wishing for a perfect smile without going through so much pain. Invisalign treatment is a comfortable and convenient option but taking good care of your aligners is a must.
To get the best results, here are 6 important dental hygiene tips that you should follow.
Avoid Lipstick and Lip Gloss
Wearing lipstick and lip gloss limit the effect of Invisalign aligners. So, if you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, then make sure you don’t wear these products. Lip balms, however, don’t have any negative effects on the aligners. Until the treatment is completed, avoid wearing these beauty products.
Limit Hot Drinks
If you’re consuming hot drinks with aligners on, then be prepared to get a new set. Hot drinks damage the aligners over time. Coffee, especially, stains the aligners. So, ensure that you don’t consume a lot of hot drinks during the treatment.
Brush After Meals
First of all, it is very important that you take your Invisalign aligners out before having a meal. Tiny particles of food and other elements may stay stuck in your teeth; hence, brushing your teeth after meals is extremely important if you want your aligners to stay effective and clean. This may require you to carry your toothbrush and toothpaste at work, but remember, good dental hygiene is the key to a beautiful smile.
Clean the Aligners Regularly
Aligners require comprehensive cleaning because bacteria can easily build up on the tray. It is important that you have the aligners on for 22 hours a day for best results. And to keep them effective, make sure that you clean them regularly. Rinse them with cold water after taking them out and rinse them again before wearing them. To ensure that your Invisalign trays are clean; soak them in a denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals. You can consult your dental health professional and ask them to recommend cleaning options ideal for your trays.
Avoid Cleaning Your Tray with Toothpaste
Toothpaste is great for your teeth but it is not as great for your aligners. It consists of harsh ingredients and causes damage and discoloration to the trays. This will make the trays very noticeable in your mouth. You can use anti-bacterial soap to keep them clear. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can work well too. So, brush them gently to get rid of food particles stuck in them.
Always Brush and Floss before Replacing Trays
You already know you should be flossing after having your meal. If you’re putting the trays back on without cleaning your teeth properly; the tiny food particles will get trapped within the trays. This would not only damage the trays but will also cause cavities and other dental issues.
If you do not take good care of your Invisalign trays, they will start to lose their impact and will develop a foul odor. So, follow these steps regularly and avoid any unpleasant surprises during the treatment.
Author Bio: Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.
