The number of adults seeking teeth straightening procedures has increased over the last couple of years. The trend is driven by the fact that adults are increasingly becoming conscious of their looks. To get their teeth fixed, adults can choose between traditional braces with metal brackets or Invisalign trays, since both perform the same function. If you opt for Invisalign braces, it is essential to take good care of the trays. Failure to do so will lead to discolouration of the clear plastic braces followed by a foul smell. This article highlights maintenance tips for your Invisalign aligners.
Regular Brushing -- To prevent tooth decay, you are advised to brush your teeth after every meal. However, maintaining the routine strictly is highly unlikely since you are bound to forget at times. While your teeth will not turn colour because you forget to brush them a few times, the same cannot be said regarding Invisalign braces. If you put on the Invisalign braces without brushing your teeth, the tray will get stained by food particles. The staining is further exacerbated by the fact that orthodontic trays are made from porous plastic that makes stains extremely stubborn. To ensure that the plastic trays remain clean, brush your teeth after every meal to eliminate food particles that might stain the braces. The routine might seem like a hassle at first, but you get used to it after a while.
Soak the Aligners -- When you take off your aligners to eat, do not leave them on your bedroom desk or a container. Bacteria in saliva and plaque will stick on the surface if the aligners are left in the open. The best way to store Invisalign braces is to soak the tray in a solution of lukewarm water and vinegar. The solution kills bacteria and prevents plaque buildup, thereby preventing staining and discolouration.
Avoid Coloured Drinks -- Taking off the aligners before a meal is a no-brainer, but you can leave them on when taking a drink. However, you need to be selective with the type of drinks you take with the aligners on. For instance, coloured beverages such as coffee, tea, and alcoholic drinks will stain Invisalign braces over time. That said, taking off the trays and putting them on every time you want to take a drink can be a hassle. A better strategy is to stick to water when you have your braces on and save other beverages -- wine, fruit juices, sodas, etc. -- for meal times. The approach will save you the hassle of frequently removing the braces, but most importantly, it will ensure that the trays remain clean at all times.
For more information on Invisalign braces, speak with your dentist.
For many years, I hated the way my teeth looked. They always looked discoloured so I would do everything I could to hide my smile. On family photos, my mom would always complain that I never gave a grin like my brothers and sisters. When I graduated college, I decided I needed to take action. I contacted my local dental surgery and asked them about tooth whitening treatments. The dentist was great and gave me all of the info I needed. After the treatment, my smile was like a million dollars. I decided to start this blog to educate others about the benefits of teeth whitening and other dental treatments.