Invisalign braces are virtually invisible, offering discreet teeth straightening option. Invisalign can straighten the teeth within 12 – 18 months, and it is a perfect option for people who feel self-conscious about their crooked teeth.
During the consultation for Invisalign, the dentist will discuss whether the aligners are a suitable option for you after examining your smile. If Invisalign is suitable for you and you want to start the treatment, understanding how to care for the aligners is vital to ensure a successful treatment.
Invisalign home care instructions
It’s advisable to use the Invisalign cleaning system to care for the aligners. This system involves using cleaning crystals to remove plaques on the aligners within 15 minutes. You can also clean the Invisalign aligners by brushing them with toothpaste in lukewarm water. The following instructions can help you care for your Invisalign aligners at home.
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Brush and floss after your meals
After your meals, ensure you brush and floss your teeth to prevent the aligners from getting stained. Although this may be inconvenient for some persons, it is better than letting the aligners become yellow and develop an odour.
Food particles trapped in the teeth or your aligners can give you bad breath and attract bacteria. This can lead to cavities, especially when you wear your aligners for the recommended wear time. With proper dental hygiene, you can keep your aligners and your teeth in perfect condition.
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Avoid teeth-staining drinks
Some drinks such as red wine and coffee can stain your teeth and the aligners. If you must take these drinks, ensure you remove your aligners first and brush your teeth before wearing the aligners. This helps prevent staining and keep the teeth free from bacteria.
Most people opt for Invisalign because they are virtually invisible, so they can go about during their treatment without people noticing the aligners. However, your aligners can become noticeable when you let them get stained.
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Store the aligners in their case
Whenever you take out the aligners, ensure you store them in their special case and not a napkin. Many Invisalign patients accidentally dispose of their aligners when they wrap them in napkins or leave them on launch trays.
Your aligners are custom-made to fit snugly on your gums and teeth. When you bend the aligners or keep them carelessly, it could make the aligners out-of-shape and less effective.
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Wear the aligners
For Invisalign treatment to effectively straighten the teeth, you must wear the aligners for at least 20 – 22 hours daily. Removing the aligners should only be done when you want to brush your teeth, eat or clean the aligners—failing to wear the aligners as often as you should prevent your teeth from moving according to your treatment plan.
Although you can take the aligners for important events, ensure you put the aligners in your mouth afterwards and wear them for at least 20 hours to see your desired result. When you switch to a new set of aligners, you will feel pressure on your teeth. This is a sign that the clear aligners are moving your teeth, so try not to remove the aligners, but you can take pain medications to relieve the pain.
Several dental clinics offer Invisalign treatment but ensure you visit an experienced Invisalign provider for your treatment. Your dentist can also give you more tips to properly care for the aligners during your treatment.
