Los Angeles Invisalign clinics stand out when it comes to offering the best services for clear aligners. Seen as a highly effective and discreet treatment to correct issues related to misalignment of teeth, the clinics offer end-to-end support to ensure the desired results. But what remains crucial as an everyday practice is a thorough cleaning and proper maintenance of the clear aligners. It goes without saying that keeping the aligners clean is important to get results. Here’s how to keep them clean and functional:
Why Regular Cleaning Of Aligners Is Important?
To get the best results from Invisalign, keeping them clean is paramount. This is not only important to boost the effectiveness of the treatment but it also helps improve overall health. Unclean aligners are a hub for bacterial and plaque buildup. This increases the risk of oral infections and impacts the body’s overall immunity. Furthermore, repetitive repairs and replacements of aligners are expensive, causing the total Invisalign cost Los Angeles to snowball.
What Are The Best Cleaning Practices To Clean Invisalign Aligners?
Experts offering Invisalign Los Angeles treatment are quick to highlight that not everyone’s approach to cleaning aligners is the same. Rinsing and disinfecting the aligners are the two extreme points of cleaning. To make sure that your aligners are clean and fit for use, they must be disinfected regularly.
Here are the best ways to clean your aligners regularly:
Brush Them Regularly
Brushing your Invisalign every day is as important as brushing your teeth. Use an extra-soft or soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush them. Use a mild antibacterial soap liquid to remove any buildup. Make sure you reach all areas well. Give it a nice rinse in lukewarm water before you wear them back.
Distilled White Vinegar And Water
Distilled white vinegar is seen as a great DIY remedy to clean your retainers. Add one part of distilled white vinegar to three parts of lukewarm water. Submerge the retainer in the solution for 15-20 minutes and gently brush it thereafter. Rinse it nicely before wearing it.
Retainer Cleaning Tablets
Retainer cleaning tablets are available over the counter. Simply add one tablet to a glassful of lukewarm water. The tablet dissolves instantly. Soak the aligners for 15 minutes before brushing them gently with an extra soft or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse them in lukewarm water nicely.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a do-it-yourself cleaning option. It cleans, disinfects, and removes any existing stains, all in one go. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water and soak the retainer for 15-30 minutes. Gently scrub it and rinse it nicely before using it.
Ultrasonic Cleaner
The ultrasonic cleaner is a new-age gadget that comes along as a paid add-on in case required. The electricity-powered gadget makes ultrasonic waves pass through cleaning solutions to clean the smallest areas of the retainer for the best cleaning results.
Things To Avoid When Cleaning Aligners
Effective cleaning of the aligners keeps them functionally and aesthetically intact. But the wrong choice of products to clean the aligners can damage them permanently. So it’s important to be watchful about what to use. Here’s a list of cleansers to avoid:
- Denture cleaners can be too abrasive and damage the delicate material of the Invisalign.
- Mouthwashes contain alcohol that can damage the materials in your aligner.
- Colored and scented soaps can make the transparent aligner turn opaque over time. Use a colorless and fragrance-free mild antibacterial soap instead.
- Do not use toothpaste as it scratches the aligner’s surface.
- Do not use a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush as they can potentially damage the surface of the aligner..
- Do not use hot water to wash and rinse the aligner as it can ruin its shape.
Top Invisalign Care Tips To Follow
The importance of a quality routine cannot be overstated. Both traditional braces and Invisalign braces Los Angeles treatment plans lay stress on following the best practices for taking care of the dental appliances in order to make them function effectively. The main aligner care tips include:
- Do not eat with your aligners on. Chewing on hard foods can damage the shape of the aligners. Different foods increase the risk of staining.
- Avoid drinking carbonated beverages, tea, coffee, etc while wearing aligners. It increases the risk of staining or damage over time.
- When not wearing aligners, store them in an airtight container. This protects them from bacterial contamination.
- Every time you wash and rinse your aligner, make sure you brush and floss your teeth as well. Maintaining basic oral hygiene is a must for improving overall dental health.
- Wash and rinse your Invisalign aligner a couple of times a day.
- Do not smoke while wearing your Invisalign aligner. Nicotine can leave unappealing stains and damage the surface of the aligner.
Final Thoughts
Training on how to clean the Invisalign is an essential part of the treatment plan. Top Los Angeles Invisalign centers like the Cal Dental Group go all out to explain its importance and how to keep them in their best shape. An Invisalign home care kit is typically issued once at the start of the treatment. It is important to follow the specific instructions that come along. If you face any issue with regard to your Invisalign aligner, it’s best to get in touch with your orthodontist at the earliest.
