Posted on September 28, 2020
Did you know that more than 4.5 million Americans wear braces? That’s equivalent to the entire population of Los Angeles. While Invisalign braces have a ton of benefits, failure to take care of them can lead to health problems and costly replacement.
If you were recently fitted for these braces or are considering getting them to improve your smile, you may already know that cleaning them takes time. Read on to learn how to keep Invisalign braces clean — even when you’re pressed for time.
Establish a Routine
Keeping your braces clean does not have to be a tiresome chore. You want to set reminders for you to go about these tasks in the most natural and effective way possible. The easiest way to do this is by associating different daily routines with cleaning your braces.
Each morning as you brush your teeth, remember to wash your Invisalign braces. Use clean trays to avoid bacteria and other germs. Keep in mind that cleaning the braces in the morning is advisable because bacteria naturally build up while you sleep. You should also clean them in the evening to get rid of any build up from during the day.
Rinse! Rinse! Rinse!
If you clean your Invisalign braces and don’t rinse your mouth for the rest of the day, you will have wasted your precious time. The key to maintaining healthy gums and teeth is developing a rinsing habit. A good rule of thumb is to associate mouth rinsing with meals and drinks.
For example, you should rinse your mouth after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You should also rinse after drinking any beverage such as coffee or soft drinks. For larger meals, it is advisable to invest in an antibacterial mouthwash. If your mouth is clean, your braces will be clean since bacteria will not have an inviting environment to grow and multiply.
Rinsing your mouth is not enough. Your invisible braces should not be left behind. Remember, they have edges and corners that can trap food. Cleaning them thoroughly every day and rinsing regularly will go a long way in keeping your mouth healthy.
Place the Braces Properly
You may be thinking to yourself that using Invisalign braces is all about plugging them back in your mouth after brushing. But there’s more to it than that. You should brush and floss your teeth every time you want to put your aligners back in. That means there shouldn’t be any food particles between your teeth when wearing your braces.
If you want to keep dental health problems at bay, practice cleaning your mouth thoroughly. That extends to the gums and tongue. If Invisalign braces are worn in a dirty mouth, they can make it easier for bacteria to accumulate, causing more problems.
Don’t Eat with Aligners In
Some people tend not to remove their braces if they think that the meal they are about to enjoy is light. Big mistake! No matter how busy you are, you should always remove the trays. The only thing you can put in your mouth with the braces on is water.
Invisalign trays are not built to handle chewing and can quickly become damaged. Additionally, you will get more food particles trapped behind the braces if you eat while wearing them. The easiest way for busy people to adopt the habit is by removing them before sitting at the dinner table. Be sure to keep your carrying case close so you can protect your aligners even during meals.
Use Approved Cleaners
Your Invisalign braces are not meant to be cleaned using toothpaste. While toothpaste cleans your teeth excellently, it shouldn’t be used everywhere. Most orthodontists recommend using retainer cleaners to wash the trays.
Cleaning your braces with toothpaste will cause discoloration, which will make the trays more visible in your mouth. You probably wear clear braces because they are barely noticeable while smiling. Adding a new color to them will make it evident to people that you are wearing braces.
Final Word
If you wear adult braces, keeping the trays clean should be a top priority regardless of your busy schedule. If you are committed to fixing your smile or getting rid of an overbite, you need to take care of your braces. Failure to do so will lead to more health problems than the ones you are trying to fix. Contact us today if you are searching for orthodontic treatment in Encino.
