As a young mother, I was reasonably ignorant when raising my firstborn. My biggest regret is that I didn't help her take better care of her teeth. Like many people, I didn't realise the importance of baby teeth, resulting in long-term dental problems. Recently, my daughter got married and some of my tears were for the beautiful, glistening smile she presented to the cameras. Ever since I realised the dental damage I had caused, I had been saving for my daughter to have cosmetic dentistry. The results are remarkable. During the course of this journey, I have learnt a lot about caring for children's teeth and corrective procedures that can be undertaken when issues arise. I am sure many of you would be interested in the latest knowledge and techniques that are available to prevent and repair dental complications. I'm Margret Devlin - thanks for visiting.
One of the big advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners you wear to straighten your teeth are almost invisible. However, aligners can develop stains if you don't keep them clean, which can make them more noticeable. Follow these five tips to clean and protect your aligners so they stay completely clear.
1. Take Your Aligners Out When You Eat
Invisalign recommends removing the aligners every time you eat a meal or snack. Eating food or drinking dark-coloured liquids, such as tea or coffee, while wearing the aligners could lead to them becoming stained. Take the aligners out before meals to protect them.
2. Clean Your Teeth Before You Replace Your Aligners
If you eat a meal and immediately place your aligners back onto your teeth, you leave a layer of food particles and plaque between the plastic aligner and your teeth. Bacteria can grow in this layer, increasing the risk of cavities and decay. Keep your aligners hygienically clean by always placing them on clean teeth. Carry a travel toothbrush and compact tube of toothpaste around with you so you can brush your teeth after meals.
3. Store Your Aligners Correctly
When you take your aligners out to eat, rinse them with water and then place them in a sealed container to keep them safe. Leaving them sitting on the counter or table can allow them to become contaminated with bacteria.
4. Brush Your Aligners With Water and a Soft Brush
Every morning and evening, you brush your teeth to keep them clean. Invisalign aligners need the same treatment. When you get up in the morning, take your Invisalign aligners out and brush them thoroughly with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water to remove plaque and prevent stains from building up. Do the same before you go to bed. Before you put your aligners back into your mouth, take a good look at them to ensure there are no traces of food or plaque left on the plastic.
5. Soak Aligners to Remove Stains
Ask your dentist about Invisalign cleaning solutions, which you can use to soak your aligners while you are not wearing them. This cleaning solution can help to loosen stains from the surface of the aligners and restore their original clarity. You can soak your aligners while you eat, as you need to take them out at this time anyway. Don't forget to reinsert the aligners after your meal, so they can continue to exert pressure to shift your teeth into the correct alignment.
Share30 June 2016
