Using Invisalign in Fairfax? Here’s 8 Tips on Caring for Them

Thanks to Invisalign in Fairfax, it’s easy to get straighter, healthier teeth without the cumbersome hardware of traditional braces. While traditional braces come with their own share of drawbacks, it doesn’t mean that clear aligners don’t require some maintenance to keep them clear and functional. That’s why your dentist wanted to create an easy reference for caring for your aligners as you complete treatment.

Rinse Them After Removal

The last thing you want is dry saliva, bacteria, and plaque to collect on your clear aligners. To prevent this, make sure to always rinse your aligners when you remove them. Whether you’re waking up and removing them to brush your teeth in the morning or removing them to eat lunch at work, they need to be rinsed.

Soak Them Regularly

To remove as much bacteria as possible and keep them looking transparent, purchase either a denture cleaner or Invisalign’s cleaning crystals to soak them. After soaking, use a dedicated toothbrush to remove lingering plaque and food particles before placing them back in your mouth.

Clean Them When You Brush

The sooner you incorporate the act of cleaning your aligners into your daily routine, the better your Invisalign treatment will be overall. Since so much bacteria builds up while you sleep and go about your day, cleaning them with a soft-bristled toothbrush will make a big difference.

Avoid Exposing Them to Open Air

Leaving your aligners exposed causes more buildup of bacteria. It also increases the chance that you’ll misplace them, especially while eating out. If you leave them out by accident, rinse, soak, and then rinse them again before wearing.

Stay on Top of Your Aligner Schedule

To avoid delays in treatment, make sure you remember to bring your current pair as well as your next pair in the series if you plan on being away from your dentist for an extended period of time. This way if you lose your current pair, you can still start the next stage of treatment. Keep them either in your purse, backpack, or carry-on luggage in case your main luggage gets lost.

Don’t Use Toothpaste to Clean Them

Using toothpaste to clean your aligners can cause them to get discolored, making them more noticeable when in use. It’s abrasive ingredients don’t make it ideal for cleaning.

Avoid Using Colored or Scented Soaps for Cleaning

Not only could these products stain your clear aligners, they can also leave an unpleasant taste when you go to wear them.

What to Avoid When Wearing Aligners

Clear aligners are not designed to withstand force associated with eating. They can also easily get damaged if you expose them to any beverages besides plain water. Always remove your aligners when eating and chewing gum.

Don’t let interruptions in your treatment ruin your future smile. To learn more info on Invisalign in Fairfax, schedule an appointment with your dentist today!

About the Author

Dr. Michael Bassiri earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry. Smile transformations are one of his specialties, so chances are if you have crooked teeth, he can get you the smile you’re looking for. To learn more about Invisalign in Gainesville or about his practice, contact him at either his Fairfax or Gainesville locations at (703) 385-9161 or (703) 753-0202. You can also visit his website.