Invisalign is one type of orthodontic treatment for correcting the misalignment of the teeth. The conventional method involves fitting metal brackets and wire to straighten the teeth or the jaw. On the other hand, Invisalign uses clear trays made of plastic which are custom-made to fit the unique shape and size of your teeth. This tray has to be worn for at least 20 hours a day for effective treatment.
The primary advantage of Invisalign is that these are easily removable and allow for easy cleaning and maintenance. This treatment is gaining ground among patients nowadays for its ease of use. It can correct several dental issues such as overcrowding, gaps between teeth, overbite/underbite/crossbite, and overlapping teeth.
Flushing Invisalign experts can give you more information about Invisalign aligners and how they work.
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How can I care for my Invisalign aligners?
One of the essential things to keep in mind when opting for Invisalign aligners is that they need to be cleaned regularly to achieve the desired results.
Invisalign aligners tend to collect food particles, bacteria, and saliva, all of which may cause buildup. You can adopt the various following practices to care for your Invisalign aligners:
- Rinse your aligners every night with clean water. Cleaning your aligners with water every time you remove them rids them of plaque buildup and is highly recommended. Do not use hot water to clean your aligners.
- When you brush your teeth in the morning and the night, brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste or some mild, clear liquid soap. Scrubbing the aligners gently in this way will help clear them of any buildup.
- You must not use abrasive materials to clean your aligners, like mouthwash (especially alcohol-based), denture cleaners, and scented soaps. Using these products can deteriorate the quality of your aligners and decrease their “invisibility.”
- Soak your aligners daily. Put some Invisalign cleaning crystals in a small dish of lukewarm water, and soak your aligners in this dissolved mixture. After soaking for 15 minutes, brush the aligners gently with a toothbrush.
- You must ensure that you do not eat or drink while wearing your aligners. This can cause a buildup of food particles in the tray which encourages bacterial growth.
- If you are not using your aligners, make sure to store them in an air-tight container. This prevents any damage to the aligners and also reduces their vulnerability to being affected by bacteria.
- If you remove your aligners, you should ensure that you brush and floss your teeth. This removes any food debris stuck in the teeth. If you wear your aligners without cleaning your teeth properly, the food particles can get stuck in them and cause further problems such as the formation of cavities.