{"id":297,"date":"2024-04-11T07:04:25","date_gmt":"2024-04-11T07:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deandentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=297"},"modified":"2024-05-06T18:10:18","modified_gmt":"2024-05-06T18:10:18","slug":"how-to-take-great-care-of-your-aligners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deandentalcare.com\/blog\/2024\/04\/11\/how-to-take-great-care-of-your-aligners\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Ways to Take Great Care of Your Aligners"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Typically, Invisalign treatment<\/a> tends to be smooth and free of hassles. Done well, it can align your crooked smile without any big delays or issues. However, your clear trays won\u2019t work this way if you don\u2019t maintain them over time. Aligners need proper care to deliver effective, snag-free results. As for what that looks like, your Covington dentist will gladly explain. Here are four helpful ways to take great care of your aligners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Always Remove Your Aligners for Meals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Invisalign trays are fairly strong, but that doesn’t mean you can eat with them. You should always remove your aligners (and rinse them) before having a meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you chew food while wearing your trays, particles can get stuck in them and decay your teeth. The pressure from your bite could also damage their plastic material. As for beverages, anything besides water would likely stain your aligners. That means all of your favorite, flavored beverages will just make your trays more visible and ugly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Store the Trays When You Remove Them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regarding tray removal, leaving aligners in the open air isn\u2019t a good idea. The better move is to store them in their secure case when not using them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You see, exposing your trays to the open air is risky. It allows harmful bacteria to gather and build up on their plastic. If that happens, the aligners could increase your risk of cavities or gum disease. The open air also makes your aligners more likely to get lost or damaged. In either case, you may suffer treatment delays due to needing replacement trays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brush & Floss Before Each Wear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a prior step you should always take before re-inserting your trays. Namely, brush and floss your teeth and gums first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you didn\u2019t know, your mouth can house many harmful bacteria. Not cleaning it before you wear aligners will trap plaque on your smile. You could then suffer a case of tooth decay or gum disease, delaying the Invisalign process. Your dentist must treat such things before letting you resume orthodontic work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean Your Aligners Nightly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While they aren\u2019t natural parts of your mouth, Invisalign trays should be cleaned (at least) nightly. Anything less puts your grin in danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you don\u2019t wear them for meals, bad bacteria still gather on or under your trays as the days go on. You\u2019ll want to clear them out by following these four steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n