Having an Invisalign brace fitted to correct crooked teeth is a common practice used by dentists and if you’re looking to straighten out your teeth but don’t want to wear an ordinary brace, this is usually offered as an alternative.
These clear-plastic braces are simple to fit, can be easily removed and are relatively hassle free to keep clean. Sadly some people can still struggle with finding a cleaning routine that works for them and as such discolouration and staining can start to appear on the brace.
To avoid this, here are a few recommendations for cleaning Invisalign that you might be given by a Glasgow dentist West End practice.
Rinse after every removal
Whenever you pop your brace out you really should give it a quick rinse under some cold water before putting it back in your mouth. This is because dried in saliva, plaque and gunk from your mouth can build up on the surface of the brace and over time this can become a site for bacteria growth that could cause all sorts of oral health issues.
A light scrub under some cold running water should be enough to clear off anything nasty that might be lurking on the plastic covering.
Clean it out regularly
Aside from rinsing it, it’s advised that you give the brace a gentle brushing at least once every other day. There are many dentist recommended brace-cleaning solutions on the market, whichever one you use just lightly scrub it onto the surface of the brace before rinsing it off with water.
Regular cleaning will clear out any harmful bacteria and plaque that might be starting to build up on the brace as you wear it throughout the day.
Avoid soaking it in a cleaning solution
Soaking the brace for prolonged periods in an antiseptic mix is something you really should avoid. This is because the chemical content of some dental washes can damage or even stain an Invisalign brace if you’re not careful.
Keep it in a container
Whenever you take your brace out for cleaning, eating meals, brushing your teeth or just having a break from wearing it all the time, you should make sure that it’s kept in a container. Ideally it should be in a sealed hard bodied container to ensure that the brace is kept safe from damage and sterile from any potential contaminants in the home.
Avoid removing it too often
Finally, one of the most effective methods of making sure your Invisalign brace lasts is to wear it for as long as you’re instructed to. Although you can take it out for short breaks, cleaning or eating, it should always be in your mouth for the majority of the day and night.
On average patients should have their brace in place for at least 22 hours a day, as leaving it out for too long can cause the realignment of crooked teeth to be delayed .
These are just a few tips on how you can take better care of your Invisalign brace, to make sure that it lasts as you go through your teeth straightening process. In the event that you require a replacement, give your dentist prior warning if at all possible, to ensure that you get it on time and your realignment is not interrupted.
