The Toothache That Changed My Life

These days, Invisalign trays are a popular option for those who want to enjoy straighter, more beautiful teeth without the hassle of traditional, metal braces. However, with Invisalign trays, there are some special care and maintenance tasks that need to be followed in order to keep the trays in the best condition and ensure the best results. Specifically, there are a few common mistakes that you'll want to avoid if you've recently gotten Invisalign trays or are considering it in the near future.

Throwing Them Away (Really!)

This might seem like a common sense thing, but it's amazing how often Invisalign trays need to be replaced because they were accidentally thrown away in the garbage. A lot of times, this occurs when a person is eating a meal and doesn't have their case with them; instead, they wrap their trays up in a napkin or paper towel. When it's time to clear the table after the meal, they then mistake the napkin as trash, throwing it away along with the trays. Avoid this by making a habit out of keeping your trays in a case every time you take them out.

Wearing Them While Drinking/Smoking

While it's okay to drink non-staining beverages (such as water or even clear-colored sodas) while wearing your Invisalign trays, any darker beverages or beverages that are known to stain should be avoided while wearing your trays. Remove trays any time you drink wine, coffee, or even darker sodas. Otherwise, you could end up with discolored trays. Also, avoid smoking while wearing your Invisalign trays, as this can also lead to staining and discoloration.

Failure to Clean Them Daily

Your Invisalign trays can harbor a lot of bacteria if you don't take the time to clean them just as you would your teeth on a daily basis. In addition to taking them out and brushing them thoroughly every time you brush your teeth, it's also recommended that you soak your trays in a retainer cleaner (or even a diluted mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda) to remove excess bacteria and eliminate odor. Failure to keep your retainers clean could actually cause you to develop gum disease, due to the buildup of bacteria.

Getting Invisalign can be an excellent decision, but only if you're up to the task of properly maintaining your trays. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure the best results with your treatment. If you have specific questions about getting or caring for Invisalign, contact a dentist with a practice like Port Orchard Dental Care Center.