Invisalign in Bonita Springs, FL: Keeping Your Aligners Clean
Are you one of the 80 million Americans dealing with chronic bad breath? People who are undergoing the Invisalign clear braces treatment may find themselves especially vulnerable to a foul mouth odor. The clear, plastic trays may be practically invisible to the human eye, but that doesn’t mean that loads of bacteria won’t collect in nooks and crannies of your Invisalign aligner. Without proper cleaning, that leaves the Invisalign patient breathing a smell that’s less than pleasant — and it also increases the risk for developing tooth decay and gum disease.
How do you take good care of your Invisalign aligner to prevent bad breath and cavities? It’s not so difficult, but you may benefit from a reminder on proper maintenance for your Invisalign in Bonita Springs, FL. Keep reading for a much-needed Invisalign refresher!
How to Keep My Invisalign Trays Clean?
Unlike with traditional braces, you don’t have to learn a bunch of new techniques for cleaning your teeth when you wear Invisalign. Simply pop the aligners out whenever you want to brush and floss and before snacks and meals. Brush your trays and rinse them with lukewarm water to remove all bacteria and plaque from the aligners. You can use the special Invisalign cleaning kit to be confident you’re getting a good clean. If not, regular, non-abrasive toothpaste is fine.
Watch the Temperature
It may seem like hot water would be good for ridding your Invisalign aligners of bacteria, but extreme heat actually warps the plastic. Damages to the trays delay progress and lengthen treatment; make sure you are cleaning your aligners using only cool or lukewarm water.
What About Eating With Invisalign?
You’ll love the fact that you can continue to eat whatever you want during your Invisalign treatment, thanks to the removable trays. Just make sure you rinse your aligners upon each removal. Doing so prevents plaque and bacteria from drying, something that allows foul-smelling bacteria to multiply.
You’ll take your trays out before every meal and snack, and you should make sure you brush and floss your teeth before putting the trays back in. Skipping this step can cause decay-causing bacteria to become trapped against tooth enamel, leading to rapid decay.
How to Brush and Floss with Invisalign?
One of the biggest benefits of choosing the Invisalign treatment is the fact that the removable Invisalign trays allow for easy brushing and flossing. Take advantage of that fact by maintaining a good dental hygiene routine! Doing so will keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment, minimizing bad breath and reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, too. Simply remove your Invisalign aligners at night and in the morning, and brush and floss as usual.
Visit Your Dentist as Recommended
With the Invisalign treatment, you’ll have visits with your dentist scheduled every six weeks. Make sure you stay on top of these appointments to enjoy fresh, clean, healthy teeth and gums throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Would you like to learn more about your options in clear braces? Contact Pelican Landing Dental and schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Bonita Springs, FL today!