Invisilign provides a nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces, making them especially favored among adults and young professionals. The key to maintain the illusion of your not wearing braces is to ensure that each of the plastic aligners in the system stays clear and doesn't develop any stains. The following tips can help you do just that.
Tip #1: Drink only water
Sipping on colored beverages throughout the day can slowly stain the aligners. Drinks that contain red or purple coloring as well as soda, coffee, and tea are the worst offenders. When the aligners are in, it is best to stick to plain water. If you must have a little flavor in your water, opt for lemon juice. In small quantities lemon is safe for your aligners, and it has mild bleaching properties that can even help to brighten your aligners.
Tip #2: Never eat with the aligners on
Eating is a definite no-no when you are wearing your aligners. Not only can food stain the aligners, but it can also crack them. While it's easy to remember to skip foods that you chew, other items can also discolor the aligners. The biggest culprit is hard candy that you suck on, especially those containing dark dyes. Even throat lozenges and cough drops can stain the aligners when you are sucking on them.
Tip #3: Always brush after eating
Food trapped in the teeth can lead to discolored aligners. Tomato-based foods are especially notorious for staining the plastic. It's a good practice to brush your teeth after eating and before replacing the aligners. If you can't brush, at least take a few minutes to swish some water around your mouth to rinse out any food residue. You will still need to brush at your earliest convenience, though, as you don't want any food trapped against your teeth by the aligners for a long period of time.
Tip #4: Clean the aligners daily
The final method for maintaining clear aligners is to clean them daily. Cleaning the aligners can actually be done several times a day, each time you brush your teeth. Simply use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to carefully brush the inside and the outside of the aligners. Always brush in the same direction, as circular brushing can dull the aligners so they aren't quite as invisible. Working up and down from what would be the crown of the tooth to the gum line on the aligners works well.
For more help, talk with a dentist, such as one from Waterford Dental, about the best way to clean and to maintain your Invisalign system.
