Invisalign aligners are a newer, much more discreet method of straightening crooked teeth. Not only are they practically invisible on the teeth, but they’re also more comfortable than traditional braces. Plus they’re removable! They offer a much more aesthetic option for correcting alignment issues, giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.
After you get your Invisalign aligners, there are some things you’ll need to do to ensure the best possible results. Dr. Hansen of Las Vegas is here to provide you with some Invisalign aftercare tips to help you get the most out of your treatment.
When to Remove Your Aligners
Unlike traditional braces, your Invisalign aligners are removable. You’re supposed to take them out for certain activities, particularly eating and brushing. If you play sports, you should also remove your aligners so that you can comfortably wear your mouthguard.
When you remove your aligners, store them in their protective case to avoid accidentally dropping them or throwing them away. Clean them and your teeth before you put them back in.
Aligner Cleaning Tips
Clean your aligners every time you remove them. Use a mild soap and clean them thoroughly. When you rinse them off, use room temperature water. Hot water can warp the thermoplastic material, while cold water can cause them to contract. Consider sticking to a schedule to make cleaning your aligners a habit.
Soak Your Aligners
Along with regular cleaning, you’ll also need to soak your aligners at least once a day in a denture cleaning solution or using special cleaning crystals. Soaking the aligners helps to eliminate bacteria such as E. coli, candida, and strep. It also helps to avoid stains, plaque buildup, and unpleasant odors.
Be sure to rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. Again, use room temperature water to avoid alterations to the thermoplastic material.
Take Care of Your Teeth
Aligner care is one part of ensuring optimal results with your Invisalign treatment. You also need to make sure that you take good care of your teeth and gums. In addition to your regular brushing and flossing routine, you should also brush and floss your teeth every time you remove your aligners.
After you’re done eating, for instance, you should take a couple of minutes to clean your teeth. After all, you cleaned your aligners. By cleaning your teeth and preventing food particles and bacteria from collecting in them, your aligners also stay clean.
How Often to Wear Your Aligners
For the best results, you want to wear your aligners as often as possible. The only times they should come out is to eat, brush and floss, and play sports. Ideally, you should aim to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results.
Good Aligner Care Ensures an Optimal Experience
When it comes to treatment with Invisalign, you can’t just pop the aligners in and forget about them. For the best possible results, you have to take care of your aligners and your oral health. For more information on Invisalign, including Invisalign tips and tricks for a successful treatment, contact Hansen Orthodontics today.