Invisalign and traditional metal braces are both treatments for orthodontic problems like misaligned and crooked teeth. Most people prefer Invisalign London because it has several advantages compared to metal braces. One of the advantages is that Invisalign aligners are clear and almost invisible, which allows you to straighten your teeth discreetly.
When you stain your aligners, they become more visible, and it increases the risk of bacteria growth on the aligners. To avoid this and keep your aligner virtually invisible as they should be, you should clean your aligner trays every day.
You may only get to wear your aligners for only 2- 3 weeks before you change them, but this is enough time for you to stain them.
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Why would your trays stain?
- Your aligners can get stained if you wear them before brushing your teeth. The food particles stuck on your teeth will stain your aligner when you fit the aligners over your teeth.
- If you do not remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything aside from water like tea, soda and coffee
Removing stains from your aligners
If you stain your aligners, here are the things you should do to remove the stains.
Start by always brushing your teeth
You should wear your aligners for 20 – 22 hours daily. When you take out your aligners to eat, gently brush your teeth with toothpaste and a suitable toothbrush. If you are outdoor and unable to brush your teeth when you take out your aligners, rinse your mouth thoroughly before you re-insert your aligners.
Soak your aligners
You can remove stains from your aligners by soaking them in either homemade and professional soaking solutions.
How
You can also clean your aligners at your dental clinic because some orthodontists have professional soaking bath kits that kill bacteria and remove tartar, plaques and other things that stain your aligners. The bath kits contain soluble crystals that remove the bacteria and other particles by vibrating them then bleaching the aligner trays at the same time. Using this cleaning method is safe and the most reliable of all cleaning options, although, it may not be necessary.
Making your cleaning solution
You can make your soaking solution instead of going to your dental clinic to remove stains from your aligners.
Homemade cleaning solution involves two steps.
- Measure equal parts of lukewarm water and hydrogen peroxide then place your aligner trays in the solution for about 30 minutes. The hydrogen peroxide will only kill the bacteria on the aligners. Rinse your aligners with cold water when you remove them from the solution.
- Make another solution by mixing equal parts of lukewarm water and vinegar. This solution acts as a bleaching agent so soak your aligners in the solution for about 30 minutes. The solution will remove any stain, plaque or tartar on your aligners. Rinse your aligner trays with cold water while using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any lingering plaque or tartar.
Brushing
You can prevent your aligners from getting stained by brushing regularly, especially when you do it frequently. Clean your teeth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice a day. Brush your aligner tray gently and focus on the areas with visible food particles. Afterwards, rinse your aligner trays with cold or lukewarm water and dry them with a sterile towel paper.
Preventing Invisalign stains
You do not have to avoid certain foods during your treatment. All you have to do is take out your aligners before you eat or take any beverage then brush, rinse and floss your teeth before you re-insert your aligners. Only drink water when you have your aligners on.
Before you use any homemade soaking solution, ask your orthodontist if it is safe. Never use hot water, mouthwash or denture cleaner to clean your aligner trays because they can damage your aligners.
To get more information about removing stains on your aligners, contact London Braces on 020 37457520. You can also contact us for your Invisalign treatment.
