For patients using Invisalign one of the most important things that you have to do after receiving your new hidden braces is to just keep them as clean as possible whilst you go through your treatment. Lack of cleaning can lead to the spread of plaque and bacteria on their surface that can then spread to your teeth and gums, as well as a yellowing or discolouration of the brace.
To make sure you keep your braces clean our orthodontist in Hampshire has provided a few handy cleaning tips for our patients to try at home to make their clear aligners last.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign, or as it’s sometimes incorrectly spelt ‘invisaline’, is a see-through plastic tray that is created by your orthodontist in Hampshire with the sole purpose of realigning any crooked teeth you may have. The braces are custom moulded to fit your mouth using a sophisticated scanning system that produces a 3D image of your teeth that we can then manipulate with software to show you how we can correct your smile and make it straighter.
Regularly brush them
Although it may sound kind of obvious, the most important thing you can do to give your clear braces a long lifespan is to just brush them regularly. A good scrub at least once every other day should be enough to clear out any harmful bacteria and reduce any plaque and tartar build up on their surface.
For a thorough clean we advise you use a recommended cleaning solution scrubbed over its surface gently at least once every other day. At Winchester Orthodontics our team can provide you with detailed informative help on proper brushing techniques, as well as changes you can make at home to better look after your braces.
Rinse them regularly
Another tip from our team is to regularly rinse your invisible braces whenever you take them out. Whether that’s for cleaning your teeth, eating meals or just taking a short rest in between sessions of wearing it, you should always give it a rinse with cold water.
Regular rinsing clears out any dried in saliva, which over time can become a proverbial breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
Keep your transparent braces safe
After every clean you should keep your brace inside a hard bodied container as it dries, doing so will keep it sterile and safe from becoming accidentally damaged or lost.
Keep them in your mouth
Last on our list is another fairly simple tip, just keep your Invisalign braces in your mouth at all times throughout your treatment. Ideally you should be wearing them at least 22 hours a day as regularly taking them out may impact the progress of your realignment, so leave them in as long as you can between cleaning sessions.
So if you find yourself struggling to keep that corrective brace clean, then try a few of these helpful tips to make that aligner last. If you would like to learn more information on how to look after your orthodontics or to request a new replacement, just get in touch with our team at the practice.