So, you finally got your Invisalign braces, congrats! Now that you have your new dental appliance, proper hygiene and upkeep will be paramount to keep your aligners and your mouth clean.

One of the best things about aligners is your ability to be able to take the out of your mouth when you want to drink or eat. You can also take them out when you are sleeping for a more comfortable rest. Not having clean aligners can lead to bacteria growth and discoloration of the liners. So, what steps can you take to keep them clean? Read the blog below for some dos and don’ts about caring for your Invisalign braces.

Aligner Dos

• Rinse your aligners when you remove them. If you don’t, dry saliva and plaque can work to create an ideal breeding ground for foul and smelly bacteria.
• Soak your aligners with denture cleaner and an official Invisalign cleaning crystals. These -are all really excellent ways of keeping your trays clear as well as sanitized.
• Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back into your mouth. You should note that having proper oral hygiene is a key component to maintaining your oral health and avoiding cavities or decay. Invisalign is form fitted tray and failing to brush or floss can actually trap harmful debris between your teeth and the aligner. Keeping everything clean can be beneficial to keeping away from any dental issues in the future.
• Clean your aligners using a clear, antibacterial soft soap. A clear antibacterial soap is a great and inexpensive way for you to keep your aligners fresh, clean, and free of any harmful bacteria.
• Brush your aligners gently. You may be tempted to brush in a hard manner to get any grossness out. However, hard brushing can scratch the surface and leave visible scratches and blemishes, so be careful.

Aligner Don’ts

• Don’t drink or eat anything while wearing your Invisalign braces. A lot of foods and drinks only discolor or stain your aligners. They also can cause them to stink unpleasantly.
• Do not use toothpaste when cleaning your aligners. Many brands and types of toothpaste (especially ones that have whitening capabilities) can be very abrasive on your aligners. They can dull your aligners and create small traps for bacteria to house themselves.
• Do not use any colored soaps. You can use clear soaps on your aligners, but any soap that has coloring can be absorbed into your aligners and give them an unusual hue.
• Don’t leave your aligners out exposed overnight or unprotected while eating. This not only can be dangerous are the kind of person to misplace things but it also opens them up to germs and harmful bacterias. If you have to take the out during the day you need to rinse them, soak and then rinse again before they go back into your mouth.

Schedule a Consult for Invisalign Braces in Encino, CA

If you are interested in learning whether Invisalign braces would be a good alternative to traditional braces for your teeth, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Bita Orthodontic Group today.