Most people with mild to moderate misalignment problems in Maryland opt for Invisalign treatment because of the not-so-apparent nature of such clear aligners.
Invisalign gained immense popularity among the youth, especially when compared to traditional braces, because the younger generation is mainly very conscious of aesthetic appearance, and Invisalign does the job and is nearly invisible to others.
The treatment needs a dentist in Columbia, Maryland, to assess if Invisalign is the proper treatment considering the severity of the misalignment and then custom-made the aligners for every patient and keep track of the progression through dental visits after a given period a few times.
However, to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and maintain dental health, it is vital to care for the aligners properly. In this blog, we are going to provide some guidance on how a person can care for the Invisalign aligners.
Cleaning the Aligners
Let’s start with the very basic: cleaning the aligners. Aligners need to be cleaned properly and thoroughly.
Follow a Daily Cleaning Routine
To keep the aligners free from bacteria and clean, integrate a daily cleaning routine and follow these steps every morning and evening:
Wash Properly with Lukewarm Water
Rinse the aligners with lukewarm water to remove any debris or saliva.
Use a Soft Toothbrush for Cleaning
Gently brush the aligners using a soft toothbrush to avoid scratching the Invisalign, and do not use any toothpaste because it can be harsh on the aligners and cause some discoloration.
Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Invisalign cleaning crystals are mainly made for aligners. Use such crystals once a day or as per the recommendation of the dentist:
Dissolving Cleaning Crystals in Water
Follow the proper instructions to dissolve the Invisalign cleaning crystals in water.
Put the Aligners Inside the Solution
Put the Invisalign in the solution and allow it to soak for the recommended time. Then, rinse the aligners thoroughly using lukewarm water.
Cautions for Eating and Drinking
Aligners must be removed before drinking or eating anything other than water to prevent causing any damage or discoloration. Clean your teeth before putting them on the aligners back to prevent trapping food particles and bacteria inside.
The best way to make sure of it is by brushing properly and then flossing afterward to remove any food particles that are still stuck there.
Handling and Storing the Aligners
Knowing how to handle and store the aligners properly is essential to ensuring their long-term durability.
Properly Store the Aligners
When the patient is not wearing the aligners, it is better to keep them stored in the protective case provided to prevent contamination and damage:
Use the Case That Comes Along
Always keep the aligners in the provided case instead of casually putting or wrapping them in a napkin or tissues because then there is a probability that someone will throw them away by mistake.
Avoid Exposing to High Temperatures
Avoid keeping the aligners exposed to high temperatures, such as leaving inside a hot car, because the plastic tends to warp from the heat.
Handle with Clean Hands
Always handle the aligners with clean hands if you do not want the bacteria from the hands to transfer to the mouth:
Wash Hands Thoroughly
Wash the hands properly with soap before and after removing the aligners.
Avoid Touching Surfaces
Minimize touching the surfaces of the aligners to keep the aligners clean.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Scheduled dental appointments need to be followed to monitor progress and make necessary alterations. A schedule is prescribed. According to it, the set of aligners needs to be switched. Make sure to follow that schedule and wear aligners for about 20-22 hours every day.
A dentist can be the Best Guide!
From the very start of the treatment until the very end and even afterward, a dentist can provide the proper guidance to ensure the patient attains the best possible outcome and gets the maximum benefit out of the entire Invisalign treatment.
