By Rafael Mercado, DDS on July 25, 2019
Invisalign® offers a discreet and effective way to straighten the teeth. After Dr. Rafael Mercado has given you your first set of clear aligners at our Castle Hills, TX, dental office, you will need to clean and maintain your new aligner trays.
Dr. Mercado, who is a member of several prominent dental associations, will provide you with detailed instructions on how to clean and care for your Invisalign aligners. If you are looking for aftercare tips, this overview is just for you.
Benefits of Properly Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners
By properly cleaning your Invisalign trays, you can help them remain effective. If the trays are not cleaned daily, a film can develop that can obscure the plastic. One benefit of Invisalign is that, if kept clean, the trays are practically invisible.
If food particles are allowed to build on the trays, you also risk increasing your chances of developing gum disease or cavities. To ensure that you have a healthy Invisalign treatment that follows the projected timeline, Dr. Mercado recommends following these tips.
Keep Your Trays Clean
Cleaning your trays on a daily basis allows you to keep your aligners clean, clear, and hygienic. Simply clean your trays when you brush your teeth. At the very least, your trays should be thoroughly cleaned using a soft-bristled toothbrush and water before going to sleep. In between meals, the trays should be rinsed out with clean water.
Never wash your aligners to hot water. Heat can warp the trays. There is no need to use toothpaste when cleaning the aligner trays. In fact, using toothpaste can leave a white film on your trays. Invisalign offers special cleaning kits that can be ordered online.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Extra care should be taken to maintain good oral hygiene while undergoing Invisalign treatment at our Castle Hills dental office. Any food particles and plaque that build up on your teeth can cause your trays to become discolored and unattractive. Staining liquids can become trapped between the trays and your teeth. When drinking coffee, tea, and other staining agents, you should remove your aligners.
If possible, try to brush your teeth after each meal. This is also a good time to rinse your trays out. Keeping food particles from building up between the trays and your teeth is an important step to prevent tooth decay.
Avoid Damaging Your Trays
By wearing your aligner trays for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day, you can lower your chances of misplacing your trays. If your clear aligners become lost, contact our Castle Hills office. Every step should be taken to protect your aligners. Buying a case to hold your aligners when they are not in use is advisable.
Enjoy a Discreet and Effective Cosmetic Treatment
Invisalign trays have many benefits over traditional metal braces. There are no dietary restrictions or cumbersome cleaning requirements. If you are ready to add symmetry and beauty to your smile, please contact our office online or call (210) 405-1257 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mercado.