Choosing Invisalign aligners to correct crooked teeth is a great option for many people! Invisalign can easily correct misaligned teeth for most people without the use of metal braces. One of the best things about Invisalign aligners is that most people won’t even be able to tell you’re using them.
After having your Invisalign aligners molded to your teeth by your orthodontist, you’ll then be given instructions on how to properly care for the aligners. Trying to remember these specific instructions can be difficult at times. For this reason, mistakes with cleaning Invisalign aren’t uncommon.
If you have any concerns or questions about cleaning your Invisalign aligners, then don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist. Then, continue reading below. Here, you’ll find a list of several mistakes to avoid when conducting your Invisalign cleaning routine!
1. Forgetting to Clean Them Every Day
Take a few minutes to evaluate your current cleaning routine. How often do you clean your aligners? Do you have a cleaning schedule?
You should clean your aligners every day. Daily cleaning will help keep the aligners free of bacteria, stains, and foul odors. A good cleaning routine to have is cleaning the aligners each time you brush your teeth at night.
Think of it this way, each time you brush your teeth, it’s to remove bacteria and food particles. If you’re not cleaning your aligners as well, then you’ll pass bacteria and food particles from your aligners back to your teeth and vice versa. The best way to remember to clean your aligners each day is to make it a part of your brushing and flossing routine.
2. Cleaning Them With Soap or Mouthwash
What cleaning products do you use to clean your aligners? Are you using any type of toothpaste, soap, or mouthwash to clean them? This is a common mistake when cleaning aligners.
Not only can some of these products damage your aligners, but they might not be effective cleaners for this specific product either. Different soaps, toothpaste, and mouthwash might leave the aligners stained as well.
Speak to your orthodontist about the best cleaning products to use on your aligners.
3. Failing to Rinse Them When Removed
You’ll learn that one of the many benefits of choosing Invisalign is the ability to remove them when needed and then easily replace them. With clear aligners, you can remove them before eating and replace them once done. You’ll also remove them to brush your teeth each day.
Although you need to clean the aligners each time you brush your teeth at night, you should also remember to rinse them out each time you remove them. Anytime you take the aligners out to eat or for any other reason, take a few seconds to rinse them out.
Do keep in mind that rinsing your aligners out shouldn’t take the place of cleaning them.
4. Not Using the Cleaning Tray
Once leaving the orthodontist with your new aligners, be sure to ask about different cleaning supplies and products made specifically for cleaning the aligners. Cleaning your aligners can be a simple process when using all the right cleaning tools and products.
One mistake would be failing to purchase these tools and products. Some cleaning products you might expect to find include cleaning trays, rubbing alcohol, sodium bicarbonate, and antiseptic. Most cleaning kits will require you to mix these ingredients together in the cleaning try.
You’ll then soak the aligners in the tray for the suggested time (three minutes or so), before rinsing with warm water and drying them.
5. Leaving Them Out Without the Container
When you remove your aligners, where do you place them? Are you ensuring you prevent bacteria from accessing them? Bacteria build-up inside your aligners can cause damage or harm to your teeth.
You can prevent this by placing them in an air-tight container each time you’re not using them. Keeping them in an air-tight container won’t clean the aligners, but it will prevent them from being exposed to even more bacteria not already in your mouth. Your aligners will come with a plastic box to store them in.
Bring this small box with you everywhere you go so you have a safe and secure place to put your aligners.
6. Eating With the Aligners on Your Teeth
You should avoid eating and drinking with aligners on your teeth, which will be advised by your orthodontist. You want to remove your aligners while eating and drinking to maintain good oral hygiene. A benefit of doing so is that you’re able to eat all of your favorite foods without the worry of damaging the aligners.
If possible, then brush and floss your teeth after each meal and before putting the aligners back in. Bring floss picks and a toothbrush with you so you can floss and brush on the go.
7. Not Maintaining Good Oral Health
Not maintaining good oral hygiene can have a negative effect on the aligners as well. Keeping up with good oral hygiene will ensure your treatment is on schedule and without errors. Do your best to prevent any food particles from lingering in your mouth.
As the aligners work to straighten your teeth, food particles will be less likely to stick in between your teeth.
Avoid Making These Mistakes With Cleaning Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are an ideal choice for many people who are looking to straighten their teeth. After speaking to your orthodontist about Invisalign and if it’s the right choice for you, be sure to ask for Invisalign aligner cleaning tips and advice. Avoid all these mistakes with cleaning Invisalign and remember to clean your Invisalign on a daily basis.
Are you ready to consider Invisalign aligners? Contact Wardlaw Orthodontics to see if Invisalign or a different form of treatment is right for you. At Wardlaw Orthodontics, we provide unsurpassed patient care and will take care of you and all your orthodontic needs.