You might be wondering what Invisalign® aligners are. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses clear and durable plastic aligners instead of cumbersome metal wires. The aligners are custom molded to your teeth to provide you with the perfect smile.
The trays can be made to fit your top, bottom, or both rows of teeth. Because the Invisalign aligners are clear and nearly invisible, most people won’t even realize you’re wearing them.
You can easily slip Invisalign trays on and take them off, but for best results you want to wear them for 22 hours a day, even while you sleep. Keeping your aligners on your teeth shortens the time you need to use them; some patients see results in as few as 20 weeks.
At Wedgewood Dental, Dr. Linda K. Westmoreland and her team are dedicated to providing you and your family with the best smiles possible, and that’s why we’ve compiled this list of best care practices for your Invisalign aligners.
Properly clean your Invisalign aligners
While you can use a specialized retainer brush and retainer or denture cleaner, all you really need to clean an Invisalign retainer is a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. You’ll want to get into the habit of cleaning your aligners every time you brush your teeth, or twice a day.
First, be sure to rinse the retainer under lukewarm water that’s neither too hot nor cold to avoid altering the retainers. Then you’ll want to use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the aligners in small, circular motions, on the inside and outside. Afterward, rinse them again with lukewarm water.
Once the Invisalign aligners are clean, you can pop them back on your teeth or put them in their case to dry, while being mindful of the recommended 22-hours-a-day guideline.
Inspect your Invisalign retainers for buildup
In addition to maintaining a proper cleaning routine, you want to occasionally inspect your Invisalign aligners for tartar or calcium buildup. This shows up as an opaque white residue that’s difficult to clean with a toothbrush.
To remove buildup, soak your aligners in denture or retainer cleaning solution. Invisalign also makes its own cleaning system that’s specially designed for cleaning your retainers.
Maintain proper oral care
Ensuring that you maintain proper oral hygiene is particularly important with Invisalign aligners. Brushing and flossing regularly are important, as you can remove your aligners when eating, and any food particles stuck inside your teeth and retainer can lead to tooth decay and foul odors. Be sure to keep your aligners and teeth as clean as possible.
Improve your smile with Invisalign
Here at Wedgewood Dental, we want to provide you with the best in oral care, and that’s why we love Invisalign for its convenience and effectiveness. Find out if Invisalign is the ideal route to the perfect smile for you. Call us or schedule an appointment right on our website today.