Invisalign aligners have become a growing priority among people looking to align their teeth. They prefer that to braces, as braces can be easily visible, and that could be a put off to some people. Whether you are in your teens or a full grown mature adult, there is nothing wrong with opting for Invisalign aligners. But the important fact is that you should know how to take care of it. This way they will last long and clean.

Why do you need to care for Invisalign aligners?

The aligners could be a breeding ground for bacteria and that could seriously affect your oral health, and eventually, your health in full. Neglecting your oral health can lead to gingivitis or cavities. 

So here are some tips on how to care for them:

Clean your aligners regularly

Get into the habit of routine cleaning of your Invisalign aligners, both in the mornings and in the evenings. This will remove the bacteria and keep the aligners clean. Do this when you brush your teeth in the morning and evening. 

Don’t use abrasive materials while cleaning the aligners 

Mouthwash, soap and denture cleaners can be abrasive to the aligners and cause them to erode. But you can brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use the ones that you use for your teeth. You can, however, use gentle liquid soap to remove the food and dust particles. It is advisable to remove the aligners when you drink or eat something, but that might not be practically possible every time. So clean the aligners at the earliest. It is also advisable not to drink colas and hard foods with the aligners on. You can drink only water when you have the aligners on. 

Cleaning the aligners

Once in a while, you can clean the aligners with a tray that comes with certain ingredients like rubbing alcohol and sodium bicarbonate. Place the aligners in the tray, and soak them for 3 minutes, then rinse with the sterilising solution, and warm water. This will keep those aligners clean, really clean.  

Or you can sanitise the aligners by soaking them in a half-half solution of water and vinegar (if you don’t have the special solution). Soak for 15 minutes and then rinse them under lukewarm water. Never use hot water on the aligners, as it could change its shape, thus affecting the fit. 

Don’t leave those aligners out in a napkin

If you are going out for dinner, it would be advisable to carry a case because you can place those aligners in them when you are eating. If you remove the aligners, never leave them out folded in a napkin as they might get accidentally thrown away. 

You can change your aligners every two weeks even if you are diligent in cleaning them. Keeping those aligners way past their lifetime can cause bad breath and other teeth and gum issues. 

Remember to brush and floss every morning before you place those aligners back in. When maintained carefully, those aligners really are invisible.  Follow the rules above and you can contact your dentist at our dental clinic in Qatar for getting the best dental advice and treatment. Smile with confidence, get properly aligned teeth and that will most certainly boost your confidence.