Getting your Invisalign treatment at Coco Dental in Rochester is just the beginning of your smile transformation journey. Now comes the important bit – taking proper care of your aligners to ensure you get the best results possible. Don’t worry, though, it’s not as complicated as you might think!
Why Proper Invisalign Care Matters
Your Invisalign aligners are working hard to straighten your teeth, but they need a bit of TLC to do their job properly. Poor care can lead to stained aligners, bad breath, tooth decay, and even delayed treatment progress. Nobody wants that, especially when you’re investing in your smile!
Think of your aligners as a precision tool – they’re custom-made just for you, so treating them well means they’ll treat your teeth well in return.
Daily Cleaning Routine: Keep It Simple
Morning Fresh Start: Start each day by giving your aligners a gentle clean. Remove them carefully (always start from the back teeth to avoid breaking them) and rinse with lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as it can warp the plastic and ruin the fit.
Give them a gentle brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap. Avoid toothpaste as it’s too abrasive and can create tiny scratches where bacteria love to hide. Think of it like cleaning your contact lenses – gentle but thorough.
Evening Wind Down: Before bed, repeat the cleaning process. This is especially important because you don’t want bacteria partying in your mouth all night long. A clean aligner means fresher breath and healthier teeth.
What to Use (And What to Avoid)
The Good Stuff:
- Lukewarm water for rinsing
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Clear antibacterial soap
- Invisalign cleaning crystals (available from our Rochester practice)
- Denture cleaning tablets (occasionally)
Steer Clear Of:
- Hot water (it’ll warp your aligners faster than you can say “oops”)
- Coloured soaps or toothpaste
- Mouthwash (it can stain them)
- Harsh chemicals or bleach
- The dishwasher (yes, some people have tried this!)
Eating and Drinking: The Golden Rules
Here’s the brilliant thing about Invisalign – you can eat whatever you fancy! But there’s a catch: you need to remove your aligners first.
Before You Eat: Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Food particles can get trapped underneath, leading to decay and bad breath. Plus, chewing with aligners can damage them.
After You Eat: Brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. If you can’t brush immediately, at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Popping aligners back in over sugary or acidic residue is like creating a little science experiment in your mouth – and not the good kind!
Coffee and Tea Lovers: We know giving up your morning cuppa is tough, especially here in Kent, where we take our tea seriously! You can still enjoy hot drinks, just remove your aligners first. If you’re sipping throughout the day, try to limit exposure time and rinse afterwards.
Storage Solutions
Never, ever wrap your aligners in a tissue or napkin. They’ll end up in the bin faster than you can blink. Always use your Invisalign case – it’s your aligner’s best friend.
If you’ve lost your case (it happens to the best of us), pop into Coco Dental in Rochester and we’ll sort you out with a replacement. Until then, a small container with a tight lid will do in emergencies.
Dealing with Common Issues
Cloudy or Stained Aligners If your aligners are looking a bit worse for wear, don’t panic. Soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaning solution for 15-20 minutes. This usually sorts out minor staining and cloudiness.
Smelly Aligners Bad smells are usually down to bacteria buildup. Step up your cleaning routine and make sure you’re brushing your teeth properly before putting aligners back in. If the problem persists, give us a call at the practice.
Rough Edges Sometimes aligners can feel a bit rough around the edges. You can carefully file down any sharp spots with a nail file, but it’s better to pop in and see us so we can sort it properly.
The 22-Hour Rule
Your aligners need to be in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day to work effectively. That might sound like a lot, but it’s really just removing them for meals and cleaning. Set phone reminders if you need to – whatever works for you!
Remember, every hour they’re out is potentially delaying your treatment. The sooner you get that perfect smile, the sooner you can show it off around Rochester’s lovely historic streets!
Travel Tips
Going away? Pack extra cleaning supplies and always bring a backup case. If you’re travelling abroad, bring your previous set of aligners just in case something happens to your current ones.
Airport security won’t bat an eyelid at your aligners, but it’s worth mentioning them if asked, just to be safe.
When to Contact Coco Dental
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re experiencing any issues. We’re here to help make your Invisalign journey as smooth as possible. Contact us if:
- Your aligners are cracked or damaged
- You’re experiencing persistent pain or discomfort
- Your aligners aren’t fitting properly
- You’ve lost an aligner
- You have concerns about your progress
The Bottom Line
Looking after your Invisalign aligners doesn’t have to be a chore. With a simple routine and a bit of common sense, you’ll keep them in tip-top condition throughout your treatment.
Remember, we’re always here at Coco Dental in Rochester to support you through your smile transformation. Whether you need advice, replacement cases, or just a quick check-up, our friendly team is ready to help.
Your future self will thank you for taking good care of your aligners now. Before you know it, you’ll be flashing that perfect smile with confidence, whether you’re strolling through Rochester Castle grounds or enjoying a meal at one of our lovely local restaurants.
For more advice on Invisalign care or to book your next appointment, contact Coco Dental Rochester today. We’re committed to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams right here in the heart of Kent.
