How to Care for Invisible Braces

If you want straighter teeth, removable clear aligners make an excellent alternative to traditional braces. While ordinary braces typically need to be worn for an average of two years, patients can finish invisible aligner treatment in a year or even less. However, just because invisible braces are convenient doesn’t mean that they don’t require proper maintenance. In order to ensure that your teeth stay healthy throughout your treatment, it’s important to practice good hygiene. Here’s what you should know about caring for invisible braces.

Good Personal Hygiene Is Good Oral Hygiene

Your mouth isn’t a separate entity from the rest of your body; it’s a part of a whole. Every time you remove your aligners, you touch them with your hands, and any germs on your hands have the opportunity to enter your mouth and make you sick.

Before you take your aligners out, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. In situations where you do not have access to a sink, you can use hand sanitizer. As you wash, pay special attention to your fingernails, as dirt can get caught under them easily.

Clean Your Aligners Regularly

You should brush your aligners twice a day, but note that this will be a different process from brushing your teeth. Toothpaste is not suitable for cleaning invisible braces, as it is harsh on plastic and can create scratches that collect bacteria. This can lead to discomfort and a cloudy appearance.

Instead of using toothpaste, clean your aligners with a small amount of unscented antibacterial soap or a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and lukewarm water. It’s also a good practice to soak your invisible braces at least once a week, using either denture cleaner or a specially designed invisible aligner cleaning solution.

Listen to Your Orthodontist

The best authority on caring for invisible braces is an orthodontist who knows you personally and can tailor their advice to you as a patient. Be sure to adhere to any guidelines your doctor provides to ensure that your treatment goes as smoothly as possible.

If you’re considering getting removable clear aligners, it’s important to work with an orthodontist you can trust to take good care of your smile. Contact Dr. Zamani at TruSmile about finding the best treatment plan for you.