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If your dentist recommended getting braces, you might have chosen the popular Invisalign® option. This choice is ideal given that aligners are easier to remove and less noticeable than traditional braces. However, if you want to maintain your Invisalign aligner's appearance and ensure that they function well, there are a few important tasks to keep in mind for the duration of time that you wear them. Here's what you should and shouldn't do when it comes to Invisalign care.

Do:

Keep your aligners clean.

Unfortunately, you can’t avoid bacteria and plaque buildup when wearing your Invisalign aligners or trays. This is why it’s crucial to clean them regularly. Make it a habit to start the day with clean trays by brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild solution your dentist recommends. You can also soak them in a denture cleaner before brushing them. Finally, don’t forget to rinse the aligners every time you remove them to prevent bacteria growth.

Store your aligners properly.

dentist

You’ll be wearing your Invisalign trays for only about 20 to 22 hours every day unless your dentist instructs otherwise. This means that you’ll be storing them when you're not wearing them. If you don’t want your aligners to end up damaged or misplaced and your treatment put off track, remember to always put them back in the case provided. Take note that leaving them out could also expose them to further bacteria growth.

Don’t:

Eat or drink while wearing your aligners.

Some foods and drinks can stain your aligners, turning them a distasteful color. Additionally, hot beverages can also distort or melt the Invisalign material. That's why it's important to keep in mind that Invisalign trays aren’t designed for chewing, so make sure to take them out before eating. Doing so helps you avoid damaging them and having food stuck in between your teeth and the aligner. 

Use toothpaste to clean your trays. 

Using toothpaste on your aligners can give them a dull sheen or cause discoloration due to the toothpaste's abrasive ingredients. Similarly, don’t soak your trays in mouthwash since it might have a color pigment that causes staining. The same goes for scented or colored soaps. Again, it’s best to ask your dentist about the right cleaning products to use.

 

If you’re interested in having a beautiful smile with the help of Invisalign, discuss this option with a dentist at Four Corners Dental Group in Wasilla, AK. This trusted family dentistry also serves patients throughout Anchorage and provides outstanding dental services, including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, and more. Call their Anchorage office at (907) 258-3384 or their Wasilla office at (907) 376-2790 to learn more about their dental care solutions. You may also visit their website to send a message online.

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