Caring for Invisalign aligners: Los Angeles dentist shares tips

Invisalign is an extremely popular orthodontic option. Small wonder – these smooth plastic aligners are transparent, so you look great while they gently move teeth into attractive position. It is easy to keep your mouth, and aligners clean and smelling fresh. Much easier than oral hygiene with conventional braces. Los Angeles dentist, Dr. Don Mungcal, shares these Invisalign care tips.

Invisalign do’s

• Remove Invisalign to keep your teeth and mouth clean. Brush normally after eating and floss before bedtime.
• Clean aligners in the morning and evening. Use clear anti-bacterial hand soap and a soft toothbrush reserved for this purpose. Rinse with tepid water. Insert aligners after you brush and floss your teeth.
• Once a week, soak aligners using Invisalign crystals, or denture or retainer cleaner. This keeps aligners extra sanitary.
• Remove aligners when you drink anything except plain water.
• Take aligners out before eating. Place them in their storage case.
• Limit between meal snacks. If you munch and cannot brush teeth before re-inserting Invisalign, rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water.
• Do practice good compliance. Wearing aligners at least 20 hours a day will achieve your straightening goals efficiently.

Invisalign don’ts

• Do not use toothpaste or a stiff brush to clean aligners. It will cloud the plastic and leave tiny scratches that trap odor-causing bacteria.
• Do not rinse or soak aligners in hot water as they will warp.
• Beverages other than water can stain aligners. In addition, you could be trapping cavity-causing sugar or acids between teeth and aligners.
• Don’t eat with aligners in – you will damage them.
• Do not place aligners in a dinner napkin while you eat. They might accidently get thrown in the trash.

To find out if Invisalign is right for you, call the Los Angeles dentist known for beautiful smiles – Dr. Don Mungcal at Downtown Dental, 213-863-9464.

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