Have you been fitted with Invisalign braces? As long as you maintain them properly, they’ll work as promised with no problems in sight.
But there are certain things you should avoid doing with them as well. If you don’t, it’s possible that the braces might break, and it’ll be too late to fix them, requiring you to pay again.
How can you clean your teeth and aligners? What are some common errors to watch out for? Keep reading to learn more about common errors in Invisalign cleaning.
Table of Contents
1. Not Removing the Aligners Before Eating or Drinking
You should remove Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking. This is because they can become stained or damaged from food particles or drinks that get trapped between the aligners and your teeth.
Additionally, eating or drinking with your aligners in place can cause bacteria to grow and lead to bad breath or other oral health problems. Removing the aligners before eating or drinking also allows you to clean your teeth and the aligners before putting them back in, which helps to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent bacterial growth.
It is recommended that you wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day to ensure that they are effective in straightening your teeth. But remembering to remove them for meals and snacks is an important part of the treatment process.
2. Using Hot Water
You should not use hot water to clean Invisalign aligners because it can cause the aligners to warp or deform. This will alter their shape and makes them less effective in straightening your teeth.
Invisalign aligners are made of a thermoplastic material that can be sensitive to high temperatures. Exposure to hot water or other sources of heat can cause the aligners to lose their shape or become misaligned. This will affect their ability to move your teeth into the desired position.
Additionally, hot water can cause the aligners to become brittle, making them more likely to crack or break. To clean your Invisalign aligners, it is recommended that you use lukewarm water or a special cleaning solution designed for Invisalign aligners. Avoid exposing them to high temperatures.
3. Using Abrasive Materials
You should not use abrasive materials to clean Invisalign aligners because they can scratch or damage the surface of the aligners. Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth, clear plastic material that is designed to be invisible when worn.
Abrasive materials such as baking soda, vinegar, or toothpaste can scratch the surface of the aligners. This will make them more visible and less effective at straightening your teeth.
Additionally, abrasive materials can create small crevices or indentations on the surface of the aligners. These crevices can harbor bacteria and plaque and lead to bad breath or other oral health problems.
To clean your Invisalign aligners, it is recommended that you use Invisalign cleaning tools. Remember to avoid using any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
4. Incomplete Rinsing
You should rinse Invisalign aligners completely to remove any residual cleaning solution or other substances that may be on the surface of the aligners.
Invisalign aligners are worn for long periods of time, and they can accumulate bacteria and plaque if they are not cleaned properly. Rinsing the aligners thoroughly helps to ensure that they are free from any substances that may be harmful to your oral health.
Additionally, if the cleaning solution is not rinsed off completely, it can leave a residue on the aligners that may cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth or irritate the gums. To rinse your Invisalign aligners, you must use lukewarm water and rinse the aligners for at least 30 seconds on each side to ensure that they are clean.
5. Exposing Aligners to Air
You shouldn’t expose Invisalign aligners to air for extended periods of time. Doing so can cause them to dry out and lose their effectiveness.
Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn for long periods of time. When the aligners are exposed to air, they can dry out and become brittle, which can cause them to crack or break.
Exposure to air can cause the aligners to become less effective at straightening your teeth, as they may lose their shape or become misaligned. To prevent your Invisalign aligners from drying out, expert family orthodontists recommend that you store them in their case when they are not in use. You must also avoid leaving them exposed to air for extended periods of time.
6. Using Alcohol-Based Products
You shouldn’t use alcohol-based products to clean Invisalign aligners. This is because they can cause the aligners to become dry and brittle, making them more likely to crack or break.
Invisalign aligners are made of a material that is sensitive to harsh chemicals, including alcohol. Exposure to alcohol-based products can cause the aligners to lose their shape or become misaligned.
To clean your Invisalign aligners, dentists recommend that you use lukewarm water. You can also use a special cleaning solution designed for Invisalign aligners. Remember to avoid using any harsh chemicals or alcohol-based products.
7. Not Cleaning Your Teeth Before Wearing the Aligners
You should clean your teeth before putting Invisalign aligners back on. This is to prevent food particles and plaque from getting trapped between the aligners and your teeth, which can cause bad breath and lead to oral health problems.
Invisalign aligners are designed to fit against your teeth. Any food particles or plaque that are left on your teeth when you put the aligners back on can become trapped between the aligners and your teeth. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria and cause bad breath or other oral health issues.
Additionally, any residual food particles or plaque can also cause the aligners to become discolored or develop a cloudy appearance. This makes them more visible and less effective at straightening your teeth.
Dentists always recommend that you brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back on. This is to ensure that your Invisalign aligners are effective and maintain good oral hygiene.
Avoid These Errors in Invisalign Cleaning Starting Today
In conclusion, it is important to be aware of common errors in Invisalign cleaning that can cause damage to the aligners. By following the same Invisalign cleaning routine and using the right tools and products, you can protect your Invisalign aligners and maintain a healthy smile.
Don’t take any risks. Make sure you know the proper way to keep your Invisalign clean and clear!
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