Many people seeking orthodontic treatment in Fredericksburg come to our office with Invisalign in mind. Invisalign is one of the most popular options for straightening teeth because it is so easy to use and practically invisible when it’s placed in the mouth. Though the trays will be replaced frequently as the teeth adjust to them, it’s still important to keep your Invisalign clean. Fortunately, it’s much easier to keep your teeth and your Invisalign clean than it is to keep braces clean. Taking a multi-step approach is the best method.
Rinse After Removing
Every time you take your Invisalign out for eating or drinking, take time to give it a quick rinse before you store it away in a container. If there are any stray food particles or bacteria on the tray from your mouth, they can be much harder to remove once they’re dry. A short rinse with water can keep it a bit fresher. It’s best to plan to remove the tray in the bathroom before eating, especially if you’re out at a restaurant or at school. Otherwise, you might not be near a convenient source of water.
Brushing Your Invisalign
Easy, regular maintenance is the key to keeping your Invisalign clean. One of the easiest ways to clean it off is to brush it at the same time that you’re brushing your teeth. Simply wet your toothbrush and gently brush the Invisalign while you hold it in your hand. Be sure to set it down on something clean when you’re done. It’s possible to scratch the device, so use a light hand. You may even want to purchase a separate toothbrush with soft bristles specifically for this job. Though it’s tempting to use toothpaste while brushing it, remember that some toothpastes contain small abrasives that aid in getting the teeth clean. These can scratch your Invisalign, so the safest option is to brush it without toothpaste.
Special Cleaners
About once a day, you can soak your Invisalign tray in a special cleaning solution. Naturally, Invisalign recommends using their branded cleaning solution, called cleaning crystals. However, denture cleaners or retainer cleaners are also good alternatives. Mix up the solution by following the directions from the manufacturer, then let your Invisalign trays soak in the solution for around 30 minutes. Since you’re supposed to remove the trays when you’re eating, this is one of the most convenient times to soak the trays.
Fighting Bacteria
Having bacteria on your Invisalign trays can make them smell bad and harm your teeth underneath, causing cavities. While brushing and soaking in other cleaners can help to remove the bacteria, you might also consider washing the tray with an anti-bacterial soap. If you’re going to do this, be sure that you choose a clear version of the soap, as colored varieties can potentially stain the tray. Many people prefer to wash it with a soft, soapy washcloth rather than apply the soap directly. Once you’ve finished lightly scrubbing the trays, carefully wash the soap off. If there is a soapy residue on the tray, it will leave a bad taste in your mouth.
A Brief History of Orthodontics
Clean Teeth, Clean Invisalign
Perhaps the most important method for keeping your Invisalign clean is to remember the rule about not eating or drinking with the trays in your mouth. This is usually easy enough to do when you’re eating your main meals, but it’s inconvenient at times when you want a coffee or snack on the go. Furthermore, once you’re done eating, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth before you place the Invisalign back in your mouth. Otherwise, you’re trapping small food particles in between your teeth and the tray. This makes it more likely for you to get cavities and more likely for your Invisalign to become stained.
Using a Container
When you remove your Invisalign trays while eating or drinking, it’s important to keep them in a safe place. If you’re stashing it in a purse or pocket because you’re on the go, you’re exposing it to a lot of bacteria. This is also true if you’re setting it down on the table next to you, where there can be impurities from people touching the table or in the air from when someone sneezes or talks with their mouth full. A handy carrying case keeps your Invisalign safer, but you’ll also want to clean it before you put it back in your mouth.
Keeping Invisalign Stain-Free
Many things can stain your Invisalign, and you want to do your best to keep it stain-free. In general, you can simply think about not letting anything with color touch the Invisalign. It’s OK to drink water with Invisalign in your mouth, but not juice. Try to avoid colored toothpastes and mouthwashes. If you do use them, be sure to thoroughly wash the product off before you put the tray back in your mouth.
Using Water in a Pinch
You may find yourself in a situation you weren’t prepared for. While the best method for keeping your Invisalign clean is to remove the tray while eating and always brush and floss after you eat, you might get stuck without a toothbrush. Don’t panic. When you can’t brush your teeth, simply be sure to rinse your mouth out a bit with water before you put the Invisalign back in. Remember to brush your teeth when you get back home. To avoid this situation, try carrying a toothbrush with you at all times.
If you’ve decided on Invisalign for orthodontic treatment Fredericksburg orthodontists can help. Call Beecroft Orthodontics and set up an appointment to see if you’re a candidate for Fredericksburg Invisalign. You’ll soon be on the path to straighter teeth.
Beecroft Orthodontics - 10472 Georgetown Dr, Fredericksburg, VA22553 Phone: 540 898 2200
How Do I Clean my Invisalign?