For many, clear braces, such as Invisalign, can be an excellent alternative to traditional braces; they’re easily removable, effective in straightening teeth, and barely noticeable when you’re wearing them. However, to make the most of your clear braces, there are some things you’ll need to know about caring for them.
DO Drink Through a Straw
Generally, you can keep your clear braces in while you’re drinking. However, if you’re drinking anything other than plain water, it’s recommended that you drink through a straw so as to reduce the chances of the liquid staining your clear braces. Exceptions to this rule include beverages that are known to stain, such as coffee and wine. When enjoying these, go ahead and remove your clear braces entirely; just be sure to brush your teeth before putting them back in.
DON’T Clean With Hot Water
Clear braces are made of a material that’s not designed to be exposed to extremely hot temperatures. Rinsing your clear braces off in hot water will get them clean, but it will also lead to the warping of the material, which can affect the way they fit you.
When cleaning your clear braces (which you should be doing daily), be sure to always rinse with luke-warm or cold water for the best results.
DO Soak Aligners as Needed
While daily brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste is usually enough to keep your clear braces clean and looking their best, it’s also a good idea to soak them from time to time in a cleaner specifically designed for use on clear braces. Try to plan soaking your clear braces for a time when you don’t need to be wearing them, such as during dinner. And be sure to rinse them thoroughly when you remove them from your cleaning solution and before you put them back into your mouth!
By keeping these care tips in mind, you’ll be able to keep your Invisalign braces (removable orthodontics) looking their best while straightening your teeth.