Invisalign are a series of clear plastic trays that are used to correct tooth alignment issues. Invisalign trays work in the same way as traditional braces by exerting a force on the teeth and jaw to correct misalignment.
Invisalign are customised to the shape of your mouth. Your dentist will take a safe 3D scan of your teeth and use Invisalign’s patented software to accurately predict the movement and position of your teeth at all stages of treatment. This allows the lab to create a full set of trays that you usually change every 1-2 weeks.
How to Clean Invisalign Aligners
Good oral hygiene and proper upkeep are essential for keeping your Invisalign aligners odor free, clean and invisible. Trays that become scratched or filled with bacteria and debris put you at risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Fortunately, it is easy to learn how to clean Invisalign braces.
Rinse your Invisalign trays with lukewarm water every time you remove them and brush them with a soft bristled toothbrush – a baby toothbrush works well – and a clear unscented antibacterial liquid soap twice daily when you brush and floss your teeth.
Always brush your aligners using gentle motions, but not with toothpaste because it can discolour or scratch the aligners. Don’t use hot water because your Invisalign aligners are made from resin and can become distorted and no longer fit your mouth correctly.
To sanitise your Invisalign aligners soak them in the Invisalign cleaning crystals. You simply dissolve a packet of the crystals into a small cup of water and soak your aligners in the cup. The crystals remove accumulated plaque and kill bacteria.
Retainer cleaning products such as Retainer Brite can also remove the foggy white build up that can appear on clear trays as well as plaque and bacteria that can lead to retainer breath.
After soaking brush them gently, but not with the same toothbrush you use to brush your teeth, to remove any lingering plaque or food particles and rinse them before placing them back in your mouth.
Unless you are soaking them, always keep them in their case, so they are not exposed to bacteria.
Never eat while wearing your Invisalign trays because they are not built for chewing and can become damaged and stained. Also, avoid dark-coloured drinks like coffee, teas, and colas while wearing your Invisalign trays.
Do not soak your Invisalign aligners in mouthwash because they can become tinted from absorbing the colour from the mouthwash.
For a natural way to clean your Invisalign aligners, dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in water and soak your Invisalign trays for an hour. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any baking soda residue as the baking soda crystals are abrasive and could damage your teeth or the Invisalign tray.
Benefits of Invisalign
There are a number of advantages to wearing Invisalign trays over traditional braces as well as being easier to clean:
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Aesthetically Pleasing
Invisalign trays a constructed from thin clear, flexible plastic which looks almost invisible when worn.
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Effective
Studies have shown that Invisalign aligner trays are equally as effective for treating a range of simple orthodontic issues as traditional braces.
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Fast
Research suggests that Invisalign aligner trays operate faster than traditional braces to correct alignment issues. The average time patients spend wearing braces in approximately 18-24 months, while Invisalign only needs to be worn for about 12 months.
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Simple
Invisalign trays are easy to use, clean, and maintain, making it more likely that patients adhere to treatment protocols for faster and more efficient realignment.
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Comfortable
The smooth plastic used in Invisalign trays sits flush on your teeth due to the customised design.
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Removeable
Invisalign trays only need to be worn for 20-22 hours per day to achieve your desired results, which allows you to remove them when you eat or brush your teeth. This makes oral hygiene more manageable and keeps your teeth and gums healthy but ask your dentist how to clean Invisalign braces correctly.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign aligner trays are an effective and discreet alternative to traditional braces for correcting your teeth alignment issues. For the most effective treatment, you need to keep your trays in good condition. Taking the time to clean your Invisalign aligners each time you brush can ensure you achieve a healthy and beautifully straight smile.
To find out more about how Invisalign can help you achieve a straighter smile or how to clean Invisalign, call CP Dental at one of our Queensland locations, or book an appointment online.