02 May How Do I Care For My Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligner trays are used to provide orthodontic treatment and are an alternative to traditional braces. The trays are custom-made of plastic, and require some special care to ensure the final results of your treatment meet your expectations.
Keeping Your Aligners Clean
Because you wear your aligners for at least twenty-two hours of every twenty-four hour period, you must be sure they are kept as clean as possible. If the aligners are not kept clean, food, bacteria and other unwanted substances can build up within them, leading to problems such as decay, bad breath or gum inflammation. [pullquote]Invisalign aligner trays are used to provide orthodontic treatment and are an alternative to traditional braces.[/pullquote]
Removing the aligners while you eat is important to keep them clear of food debris. In addition, the only beverage you should drink while you have your aligners in is water. Other beverages could cause sugar to build up on the aligners and can also discolor them. If you drink coffee, tea or fruit juices while wearing your aligners, you could stain the clear plastic, meaning that your teeth will appear discolored until you switch to the next aligner. This could be as long as two weeks.
Be sure to consult with your dentist regarding the best way to keep your aligners clean while still ensuring you wear them long enough for best possible results.
Preventing Problems With Your Aligners
In addition to darkly colored beverages, you should also avoid drinking hot beverages while you are wearing your Invisalign trays. Because the aligners are made of plastic, hot beverages can warp them. If your trays are warped, it could cause your teeth to move out of position, compromising the final results of your Invisalign treatment.
You should also be sure to keep your trays protected while you’re not wearing them so they do not get damaged or broken. While you’re wearing them, avoid biting on hard objects such as pencils or ice. When you brush your teeth at night, you can also brush your aligners. In addition, your dentist will provide a cleaning kit to be used as directed.
Please contact the San Antonio office of Drs. Bonner and Huriega to find out more about Invisalign and how this innovative treatment can transform your smile. Call 210-616-0858 to schedule your visit.