How To Clean and Store Invisalign Braces
In place of the unsightly traditional metal dental braces, a new type of dental aligner named Invisalign has gained a big following lately. These aligners are transparent and can be easily removed when they need to be cleaned.
However, Invisalign users may be affected by the steep price of the cleaning solution that is required. Another concern is the proper way of storing the braces when not in use. Here are tips that can guide you in cleaning and storing Invisalign braces:
Prepare the materials
You will need a clean toothbrush, some toothpaste, a cup and clean, potable water. You may use your personal toothbrush in cleaning the braces; after all they are your own. Or if you want to, you may use a separate one as long as it is clean and used only for the purpose of cleaning the braces.
Soak the braces
Remove your Invisalign braces and place them in a cup of water. Soaking your Invisalign braces in water helps to remove stains that may have come from the food you eat.
It also aids in maintaining the transparency of the braces, keeping them looking like new. Set the cup on the bathroom counter until such time you need to use the braces again. Cover the cup for sanitary purposes.
If you want to be discreet about your Invisalign braces, place them in an opaque container with a cover and store them in a cabinet.
Wash the braces
For a fresher taste, you may want to brush the braces with toothpaste before putting them back on. Toothpaste is a form of antiseptic, much like mouthwash that kills germs and bacteria.
See to it that no food particles have lodged in the braces. With food residue on your Invisalign braces, tooth decay might ensue, as the teeth could get contaminated with the bacteria that get stuck in the braces.
Brush the braces
Place enough toothpaste on the toothbrush, wet it a little, and brush the aligners on all sides – inside and outside as well as up and down. Wash well with water after brushing. You may use warm water for rinsing to effectively remove grime and grease.
Clean your teeth thoroughly
Use a firm but soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth following the technique recommended by dentists. With clean teeth, the Invisalign stays clear even after long use.
Clean Invisalign aligners with a soda mixture
To achieve an even clearer result, use the all around cleaning substance known as baking soda.
Apply the baking soda and toothpaste mixture on the braces and spread it with the use of a toothbrush. You may add soda to the water that you soak your braces in, too.
These tips on cleaning and storing your Invisalign braces have been proven effective by many users. However if you feel any discomfort like itching or develop certain symptoms such as blisters on your gums, consult your dentist immediately.
He may recommend that you use the usual and more expensive cleaning solution. If this is the case, you have no other option but to follow the dentist’s advice.