Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment that can give a patient a much-improved smile with just a fraction of the hassle and intensiveness of traditional orthodontic contraptions such as braces or traditional retainers. Below, we cover how to care for your Invisalign aligners.
However, to ensure that your Invisalign retainers function correctly, you will need to engage in regular maintenance. Failure to do so can cause a marked decrease in efficacy over time for this otherwise very useful dental device.
How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners
If you have clear aligners or are just interested in this type of treatment, this guide can help you take proper care of them.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that utilizes a plastic retainer that blends in perfectly with the rest of an individual’s natural teeth. Invisalign is effective at treating all of the issues that traditional retainers and braces are utilized for, including the following:
- Gaps in the teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crooked teeth
- Overcrowding
Invisalign is generally an easy treatment that doesn’t require much from a patient. However, many patients experience some level of mild discomfort from it.
How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners
1. Clean Them Regularly
Keeping your Invisalign retainer clean is one of the best ways to ensure its long term efficacy. Without regular proper cleaning, Invisalign retainers can begin to become stained, which will cause them to become visible. This defeats the purpose of Invisalign, which holds its appeal through its discreet appearance.
Many different methods can be employed to clean your Invisalign retainers. Some of the following can be considered:
- Toothbrush
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Retaining cleaning tablets
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Cleaning and Rinsing
2. Practice Good Dental Health
Invisalign will produce better results for you if you practice the other elements of dental health regularly. This ultimately will mean regular brushing and flossing while you undergo Invisalign treatment.
One thing to note is that wearing your Invisalign retainers may accidentally trap excessive bacteria in your teeth and gums. This is why taking your retainer out regularly for cleanings is essential.
3. Check in Regularly with Your Dentist
Invisalign doesn’t require constant adjustment, unlike traditional metal braces. That being said, you will still have to commit to returning to the dentist’s office from time to time to ensure that your treatment is proceeding as normal. Your dentist will be able to inform you whether or not there’s anything that you should be aware of in terms of how your treatment is proceeding.
4. Avoid Eating with Your Aligners In
Eating with your aligners in place can be a bit of a disaster in terms of their overall longevity. This is due to the fact that pieces of food can become stuck inside your aligners. In addition, your aligners can become stained or even break depending on the types of food that you might be eating. If your aligners break, then you might have to go through the trouble and expense of replacing your Invisalign retainers.
5. Always Wear Your Aligners as Directed
You should wear your Invisalign retainers exactly as your dentist has instructed in order to maintain maximum efficacy and safety. This means that you should be wearing your retainer for most of the day, except when you’re eating. If you can’t keep this schedule up, then you may end up inadvertently extending the total amount of time that you have to undergo Invisalign treatment.
6. Store Your Retainer in The Proper Way
Invisalign retainers are notably difficult to see, as they are invisible. Because of this fact, it can be quite easy to misplace your retainer. Storing your Invisalign retainer in a brightly colored container or other type of fixture that is easy to spot can give you an advantage in keeping track of this piece of dental equipment.
In addition, storing your Invisalign retainer properly can prevent subtle damage over time. This can help ensure that you are able to keep your retainer in top shape for the longest amount of time possible and prevent you from having to replace it partway through your treatment, which has the potential to damage your results.
The Best Dentist in Tarzana
Smile Specialists California is completely dedicated to offering patients in Southern California the best in Invisalign treatment. If you’re interested in attaining the services of an orthodontist in Tarzana, contact our office today to set up an appointment.