Many people today use Invisalign to straighten their teeth. These clear plastic aligners are not only more subtle than metal braces, but also easier to clean. Use these four quick and easy tips to keep your Invisalign aligners perfectly clean and clear.

1. Take Aligners Out During Meals

The easiest way to keep your aligners clean is to keep them out of contact with food and drink. Just like your teeth, plastic aligners can become stained by the tannin-rich products many people enjoy eating and drinking, such as coffee, red wine and berries. Even if you do not eat these foods regularly, you should still remove your aligners before you sit down to a meal or indulge in a snack. Taking them out of your mouth and placing them somewhere safe while you eat will ensure that pieces of food do not get caught in them.

2. Clean Aligners With a Soft Toothbrush

A soft toothbrush is the perfect tool for cleaning your Invisalign braces. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can scratch the clear plastic, but a soft, wet brush can safely sweep away traces of dental plaque and foot without causing any damage. If you need to create a lather to clean your aligners, you can use a mild soap. Just don't forget to rinse them before you return them to your mouth.

3. Brush and Floss Teeth Daily

If your teeth are not clean when you wear Invisalign braces, they will transfer plaque or bits of food onto the aligners. During your Invisalign treatment, you need to be extra vigilant about dental hygiene. Pay attention to the way you brush your teeth, ensuring that you clean the back and biting surfaces as well as the front ones. You also need to commit to flossing every day to remove trapped food and plaque from between your teeth.

4. Know How to Remove Stains

If your Invisalign braces become stained, there is no need to panic. You can use a denture-soaking solution to safely get rid of stains and discolouration from the aligners. All you need to do is purchase the solution from a pharmacist or your dentist and leave the aligners in it for a few hours to remove the stains. Don't forget to rinse the braces well before you place them back over your teeth.

You can soak your aligners as often as you need to, but remember that Invisalign is more effective when you wear them for as many hours as possible every day. Try to use the other tips to avoid stains building up in the first place rather than relying on soaking to remove them.

For more information on Invisalign, contact a dentist.

Share