After coming to terms with the Invisalign cost with our Birmingham clinic, you must then concern yourself with the wearing and maintenance of your Invisalign aligners. After all, when you fork out the Invisalign in Birmingham cost, the last thing you want is to be putting a dirty set of aligners in your mouth. As a result, cleaning is one of the most important parts to focus on regarding Invisalign aligners.
Typically, you’ll be switching out your aligners for new ones on a fortnightly basis; however, cleaning is still essential. Read on to discover some top cleaning tips from our Invisalign dentists in Birmingham.
The Difference Between Rinsing and Cleaning Invisalign Aligners
When the time comes to brush your teeth in the evening, you’re likely tired and want to get yourself ready for bed as soon as possible. In an attempt to speed up the process, you may simply rinse your aligners, pop them in, and head to bed. While rinsing your aligners may create the illusion of them being cleaner, splashing them with water isn’t enough to remove the bacteria. Therefore, you should follow the below procedure to ensure you’re maintaining the hygiene of your aligners and your mouth:
- Rinse your aligners on a nightly basis
- Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, clear liquid soap (this toothbrush should be in addition to the one you brush your teeth daily with)
- Rinse your aligners thoroughly after brushing
- Store your aligners in a protective case when you’re not wearing them
Invisalign Cleaning Accessories
In order to make your life easier regarding cleaning your Invisalign in Birmingham, UK, various cleaning accessories are available. For instance, there is an Invisalign-branded product called “cleaning crystals”. These are made from cleaning agents, including sodium sulphate, and are designed to dissolve in water. This then creates a solution that your aligners can be soaked in.
Another Invisalign-branded product is the “Steraligner”, containing sodium bicarbonate and rubbing alcohol. Cleaning your aligners with this item involves you placing your aligners in the provided tray and soaking them in the sterilising solution for three minutes. Following this, you’ll need to rinse your aligners and brush them with warm water.
The Best Cleaning Practices
While the aforementioned cleaning method for Invisalign in Sutton Coldfield may suffice, this isn’t necessarily the most thorough approach. In fact, out of rinsing with water, using effervescent tablets plus brushing, and brushing the aligners with toothpaste and a toothbrush, using effervescent tablets and brushing is the most effective cleaning method.
How Often You Should Clean Your Aligners
As a bare minimum, you should be cleaning your Invisalign braces in Sutton Coldfield on a nightly basis. This is to rid them of any bacteria, debris, or built-up food that will inevitably accumulate during the day. Despite this, you might also need to give them a clean during the day; for instance, if you accidentally drink something that isn’t clear while wearing them or put them in too soon after eating. Similarly, you should be rinsing your aligners every time you remove them. Failing to clean your aligners properly can result in discoloured aligners, bad breath, and repeated exposure to bacteria.
Cleansers to Avoid
When it comes to Invisalign treatment in Birmingham, it’s not just a case of whether or not you clean them; it also comes down to how you clean them. As a result, there are cleansers that should be avoided at all costs. This is usually down to certain cleansers being too harsh or damaging, including the following:
- Toothpaste
- Scented soaps
- Mouthwashes (especially those containing alcohol)
- Denture cleaners
- Cleansing soaps with added dyes
- Coarse bristled brushes
How to Care for Your Aligners
Keeping Invisalign aligners clean isn’t just about the act of cleaning; it’s also about caring for them effectively. For instance, you should:
- Store your aligners in an airtight container when you’re not wearing them. This protects them from bacteria and helps you avoid losing them.
- Avoid using very hot water to clean them.
- Avoid drinking anything aside from water while wearing them. This helps you avoid damage or staining.
- Always remove your aligners when eating. This helps you avoid damage and food build-up.
Competitive Invisalign Birmingham Prices at Sutton Dental & Implant Clinic
Here at Sutton Dental & Implant Clinic, we’re dedicated to helping every one of our patients achieve their dream smile. Invisalign is one of the fastest and most discreet ways of straightening your teeth, allowing you to bolster your self-confidence within a matter of months.
Discover more about our membership plans to cut treatment costs and become part of the Sutton Dental & Implant Clinic family.
If you’re interested in our Invisalign services, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can’t wait to get you started on your journey to a stunning smile.