Invisalign: Proper Cleaning Procedures

Patients turn to the ease of Invisalign to straighten out their teeth. When compared to traditional braces, metal wiring and constant adjustments, the idea of molds that get changed out every few weeks is appealing. People wearing braces have special instructions to make sure that their equipment stays clean and protects the teeth underneath. There are also some simple steps to keeping these molds clean and protecting the teeth. Aligners The Invisalign aligners are given to dental patients to wear constantly. They can be removed when a person needs to eat or brush their teeth. Because of the amount of time they are worn, it is important to keep them clean. No one wants underlying bacteria to be covering their teeth day in and day out. Every few weeks a new pair of aligners is given to the patient. These have slight adjustments that move the teeth into a new location. Toothpaste After every meal and before bed, a person should brush their teeth and floss. During these times, the aligners can also be cleaned. It only takes a small amount of toothpaste and a toothbrush to keep them clean. There is no need to scrub or press hard; just a light touch will get the job done. When choosing toothpaste, be sure to look for the simplest formula possible. There is no need to use whitening toothpaste or products with any type of abrasives. When the aligners come in contact with these types of things, they tend to get scratched or they become discolored. Scratches and discoloration often make the aligners more visible to others. Because the benefit of Invisalign is fixing a person's teeth without people around him or her noticing, it is best to take care of the aligners. Avoid Soaking It may be tempting to soak the Invisalign molds in mouthwash or try to place them in water with denture cleaner. It seems like this would not only clean the molds but also remove the bacteria that could be building up on them. Avoid these types of products as they can cause problems with the molds including scratches and discoloration. Once again, it takes away the major benefit of the aligners - to straighten teeth without anyone noticing. If you are considering Invisalign braces, be sure to talk with your doctor about how he or she would like you to clean them. While these are general guidelines, different dentists give their patients different advice. Some insist on only using toothpaste while others prefer that their patients only use a toothbrush and water. Once you receive your first set of molds, be sure to read through all of the directions. You don't want to make this investment and then find that you are having problems with the aligners.