How do I care for Invisalign in daily life? Queries about daily care answered
When you begin treatment with an invisible aligner, you will undoubtedly have a lot of questions relating to how long the treatment will take, how likely it is that you will get the straighter smile that you want and how much potential discomfort you will be in throughout the process.
But one of the core things that you need to be aware of is the correct daily care of the aligners. This will ensure that the realignment process goes as planned and will minimise any potential issues that may occur.
When you come to see our team at The Dental Retreat to use clear aligners for Invisalign MacLeod, we will provide you with all of the information that you need to help you get the straighter smile that you want in the minimal amount of time. We know that at first the process can be a bit jarring and difficult to get your head around, but we will help to ensure you get the smile you want and deserve.
In the following article, our team has answered some of the most common questions that we receive about the daily use of Invisalign MacLeod from our patients, to help you realise what is involved in the process and to help you determine if this treatment is right for you.
How do I keep the aligners clean?
Invisalign MacLeod aligners are made from clear plastic which means you won’t have to use interdental brushes to keep them clean, as the aligners are removable you simply need to rinse them under a cold water tap to remove any debris which may have accumulated. If there are persistent stains you can use a soft bristled toothbrush to remove them, do not use hot water to clean your aligners as this can cause them to warp out of shape
What if they don’t fit properly?
If your aligner feels loose when you put it in, this is a bad sign and can be due to an issue with the realignment process or the fitting. But it should not be ignored, and you should contact our dental team to determine the next step.
Do I have to wear them to bed?
Yes, you do. This aligner is slim and does not have any protruding parts that may press against your inner cheeks while you sleep. For it to work to its optimum, you will need to wear it for a minimum of 22 hours per day or as directed by our team. If you fail to do this, your teeth may revert to their previous positions, or the realignment itself may stop altogether.
Can I clean them in a dishwasher?
No! A dishwasher uses hot soapy water to clean dishes. This heat can cause them to warp out of shape which will mean you would need to order in replacement aligner. If you need to clean your aligners more thoroughly, we recommend buying a suitable rinse to soak them in.
Can I skip an aligner?
You should not skip an aligner without first checking with our team. This is because of the vector points, or the areas where the aligners apply pressure to your teeth to move them. Two aligners that look the same may have different vector points which will move your teeth differently, so never skip an aligner!
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.