Your dentist may have suggested Invisalign trainers instead of conventional braces because you wanted a healthy, attractive smile without the hassle. Although it is an expensive treatment, your new teeth are worth the time and money it takes to achieve them. Here are a few steps you should take during treatment.

The Dos

• Clean Your Mouth before Wearing Them

This particular type of braces can trap food particles and liquid, which can sit against your teeth and lead to tooth decay. To prevent this from happening, make sure you rinse or brush your teeth after having a drink or after eating anything, just like your dentist’s regular oral hygiene instruction. This is especially important before putting your aligners back in so your teeth remain healthy and cavity-free

• Clean Your Aligners, Too

Plaque and bacteria accumulate if you don’t clean your aligners daily. Your dentist should instruct you to clean them every morning and in the evening, gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and then use lukewarm water to rinse them. Always rinse them after meals, too. 

Soak them in the proper cleaning crystals or denture cleaner for a few hours for the best results. Once this is done, use a separate toothbrush to remove food particles and lingering plaque, if any. Then rinse the trays before placing them in the mouth.

• Wear Them Almost All the Time

Many find Invisalign braces to be a great alternative to traditional braces. They may give the desired results if you wear them continuously, but it depends on how long you wear them. Experts recommend wearing them for at least 20 to 22 hours per day, taking them out only when brushing your teeth, drinking, or eating.

Keep Them in the Right Case

Storing your Invisalign braces in their plastic container is the most crucial tip to bear in mind. Since they are clear, they can easily be misplaced or even accidentally thrown away. If a pet finds them, it can chew the aligners in such a way that you have to spend money on a new pair. 

Alternatively, you could accidentally swallow them and require medical assistance to remove them. This would be both embarrassing and very costly.

The Don’ts

• Expose Them to Harsh Temperatures

Do not rinse your aligners or leave them in extreme temperatures. Invisalign braces are made from medical-grade plastic, either warp or crack when exposed to intense heat or cold. 

• Forget to Take Them Off During Meals

Don’t eat or drink anything with your Invisalign aligners. They can’t handle the pressure of chewing food, and they’re not meant to be used with food. That will put you at risk for cavities, discoloration, and bad breath. Worse, it might lead to an emergency visit to the dentist.

• Leave Them in Open Air

Never leave Invisalign braces exposed to air or bacteria buildup. If you do, you could lose them or have them come into contact with germs when you’re not looking. 

• Use Strong Cleaning Solutions

Toothpaste contains abrasives that can scratch plastic aligners if you use it to clean them. Scratches will make aligners more noticeable when you wear them. So don’t use harsh soaps, chemicals, or colored products on them, as they can damage them and even discolor them. They probably won’t look or taste great when you put the aligners back in.

The Conclusion

If you want to wear your Invisalign braces for as long as possible, you must take good care of them and keep them away from anything that might compromise their durability or quality. You also need to keep brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily. A good dentist will ensure that your teeth and gums are in a healthy state, which will, in turn, make the braces last longer.

Get started with Invisalign trainers by visiting CFF Dental if you need a dentist in Tucson, Arizona! We’re a family dental clinic offering tooth-colored restorations, same-day crowns, bridges, dental implants, 3D x-rays, Invisalign orthodontics, and more! Book your appointment with us today!