How Do I Care for My Invisalign® Aligners?

You're on the path to a straighter, healthier smile –  and,while your Invisalign® retainers are doing all the straightening, it's still your job to make sure your aligners are clean each day. If you’re wearing your clear aligners all the time, what can you do to keep them in top shape? And what happens if you don't?

Cleaning Your Aligners Each Day

We're all familiar with how clear Invisalign® aligning trays are. The clear plastic retainers have been customized to closely fit to your teeth, and other people hardly every notice them. In fact, when placed on a table top or counter, it can be hard to find them – that's how clear they are. But if they aren't cared for properly, their transparency will be affected and so will your smile.

A simple solution for keeping aligners clean is frequent brushing and rinsing. Think you might forget? Try this: For each time you brush your teeth, brush your trays too. Invisalign® aligners can be cleaned using special cleaning "crystals" or tablets (ask our office about these).

To clean your aligners, follow these simple steps:

• Rinse aligners with lukewarm or tepid water. Warm, or hot water can cause the retainers to lose their shape and become uncomfortable, or even unwearable.  

• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and using circular motions, brush all of the surfaces of your aligner. Do not use toothpaste, as the abrasive quality of the paste can affect the invisibility of your aligners. Thoroughly rinse the trays in lukewarm water.

• In case of calcium build-up, soak aligners in a cleaning solution as recommended by our office. Do not soak your retainer in mouthwash, as it can discolor the trays. 

Smoking is strongly discouraged, since it can cause discoloration and staining on aligners, just as it does on teeth. 

Clean Teeth = Clean Aligner Trays

Although the trays are removed to eat and drink, leaving food and debris on your teeth can lead to dental problems, including gum disease. Brushing and flossing each time you eat or drink and before you re-insert your trays prevents debris from being trapped on teeth, causing oral health problems.

If you have any questions about good oral health practices for clear braces, contact our office to speak to one of our friendly dental professionals.

When Do You Need Orthodontics?

Having crooked teeth can affect your confidence, but did you know that it can also affect your oral health? When teeth grow in crooked it’s not just an aesthetic issue; it can actually create much more serious problems. In some cases, the problem of crooked teeth is one that can fix itself over time, but often, orthodontics is the best solution.

Common Dental Issues that Require Orthodontic Treatment

The most common problem for which orthodontic treatment is required is overcrowding of the bottom teeth. This happens if the teeth are too large for the jaw, and it can cause teeth to grow crooked, or too close together. Sometimes a child may grow out of this problem -- as they get older, their jaw grows large enough to comfortably accommodate their teeth. However, if the problem persists into adulthood, it can lead to tooth decay, as overcrowded teeth are more difficult to thoroughly clean.

Another common problem that often requires orthodontic intervention is overbite or under bite. A minor overbite or under bite rarely needs treatment, but if the teeth are seriously misaligned, possible problems include difficulty eating and speaking, and an increased chance of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth wear and tear. Most experts believe it’s best to treat these problems during childhood, or during the teens.

Cosmetic vs. Corrective Treatment

With each of these dental problems, the question is whether the treatment is truly necessary, or if it’s recommended for cosmetic purposes. Many parents are opting to delay treatment if it’s recommended purely for cosmetic reasons, especially if the problem is only a minor one.

On the other hand, if the problem is severe enough that it’s causing pain, difficulty eating, or other serious issues, then orthodontic treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Do You Need Treatment?

The question of whether you need orthodontic treatment is one that’s best discussed with our office. Any problems relating to tooth alignment or your bite—how your teeth meet and fit together—are problems that might need orthodontic treatment.

In either case, your first step should be to contact our office for more information on getting orthodontic care. For children, the American Academy of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic exam before seven years of age, to make sure their teeth are developing normally.

If you have questions about teeth crowning or bite alignment treatment, contact our office at (408) 915-6424 to speak to a member of our friendly dental team.