You are looking forward to unveiling the perfect smile after your Invisalign treatment, but there are some things you will have to do to achieve smile perfection. Discover Orthodontics, your Brampton, ON, orthodontist, believes that valuable information is part of their treatment process, and they are providing the following recommendations for properly caring for your Invisalign retainers. This information will help you obtain the best results, so you will not have to replace your retainers.
Proper Care For Your Invisalign Retainers
Caring for your retainers is simple, but it requires that you get in the habit of cleaning them every time you brush and floss your teeth. To clean your retainers, you will need a toothbrush or retainer brush, and retainer or denture cleaner. Invisalign also makes a Cleaning System, but denture or retainer cleaner is also effective. You should remove your retainers to eat, but any plaque or food particles in your mouth can stick to your retainers once you put them back in your mouth. To avoid tooth decay and a potentially smelly retainer, you will want to keep them as clean as possible. Follow these steps:
- Rinse the Invisalign retainer with lukewarm water.
- Apply toothpaste to a toothbrush or retainer brush, and use small, circular motions to clean both sides of the retainer, and then rinse it again with lukewarm water.
- Inspect the retainer for any tartar or calcium build-up. It will look like a cloudy white film.
- If the build-up becomes hard to remove, soak your retainer in the Invisalign, denture or retainer cleaner according to the product instructions.
- Once you finish cleaning your retainer, place it back in your mouth.
A Few Don’ts
There are also a few things that you should not do when cleaning your Invisalign retainers:
Do not use a cleaning solution that has harsh chemicals that can corrode the retainer.
Do not soak your retainer in mouthwash or soaps with added color. Because the retainers are transparent, they can absorb the color from the mouthwash or soap, resulting in a tinted retainer. You may also want to avoid foods or drinks that can stain the retainers, such as coffee or tea.
Do not rinse your retainers with water that is too hot because it can change the retainer’s shape, and it will not fit properly.
Keep Them Clean For Future Use
When you are finished with a set of retainers and are moving on to the next set, thoroughly clean the retainers as described and store them in their case. You will want to ensure that they are free from bacteria or residue because it is possible that you may need to wear the set again.
Make An Appointment with Your Burlington and Brampton Orthodontist Today!
If you have any questions about cleaning your Invisalign retainers, contact us. Our team will be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns.
If you are looking for a leading orthodontist that specializes in Invisalign in Burlington or Brampton, look no further than Discover Orthodontics. Contact us for a consultation, or you can request an online appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve smile perfection!