You will wear each set of Invisalign clear aligners for two weeks throughout your orthodontic treatment. During that time it's possible for bacteria and plaque to grow on them. Here's how to keep bad breath under control by caring for your aligners properly.
Lack of proper care of your Invisalign clear aligners can cause issues such as discolouration of the plastic aligners, problems with your overall oral health and bad breath.
Curb embarrassing bad breath and get most out of your Invisalign treatment by following these easy tips from our Straight Smile dentists.
Always Brush and floss after eating!
You trap food particles and bacteria under the aligners whenever you put your aligners back in place without brushing and flossing your teeth. Always brush and floss before returning your aligners to your mouth in order to avoid causing bad breath and other future oral health problems.
Drink only water with your aligners in.
The only fluid you should drink while your aligners are in is water. Be sure to remove your aligners before drinking anything else. Tea, coffee and other hot beverages could warp your aligners. Aligners could become discoloured if you keep them in while enjoying dark beverages, such as red wine or cola.
Never use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your aligners.
Be sure to clean your aligners with a mild anti-bacterial soap, not toothpaste. Cleaning your aligners properly will ensure they remain fresh and free of bacteria that can be harmful or smell bad.
Avoid smoking with your aligners in, or plan to quit altogether.
Smoking with your aligners in could cause them to become discoloured and retain some of the cigarette smell.