If you have recently decided to have your clear braces fitted, then you will need to make sure you are totally clued up on how best to take care of them. Clear braces in all their forms are a fantastic form of teeth straightening but can very easily and quickly become less than desirable when they are not taken care of correctly. Here are all the tips and tricks to taking care of your clear braces Clapham.
What are clear braces?
Clear braces are still becoming vastly more popular, with Invisalign being the market leader for quite some time. Unlike traditional braces, clear braces such as Invisalign are made to mold exactly around the patient’s teeth. As they are made from clear plastic, they are fantastic for those looking for a more subtle form of teeth straightening. They are super comfortable and are easily worked into the patient’s daily life as they are totally removable.
How to care for clear braces
Firstly and most importantly, you need to make sure you fully appreciate the importance of proper cleaning when you’re using clear braces. Tooth decay and gum disease, which are leading causes of tooth loss, can begin when bacteria build up around the gum line and tooth root, and if left untreated, these can worsen over time and cause bigger issues. That being said, both of these can be avoided with good cleaning rituals.
Cleaning
The braces
First make sure you are always giving your aligners a thorough rinse under the tap whenever you remove them, even if it’s for a quick bite to eat. When it comes to your daily aligner cleans, you should make sure to use clear, non-toxic soaps as these won’t cause any staining or damage to the surface of the aligners. You must also use a soft-bristle, non-electric brush when you’re cleaning your teeth, as you would otherwise risk causing damage to the braces.
Teeth
Surely, you are very aware of what a complete oral health routine looks like and involves, but just in case, it is really important that you keep on top of it during your teeth straightening process. You should be cleansing twice a day for at least two minutes each time, paying particular attention to the gum line for the reasons stated above. You should also be flossing daily too. Now all this along with the upkeep of your aligners can feel like a whole new job, but it’s worth investing time in time best practice when it comes to oral and aligner care long-term.
Thing to keep in mind
Make sure you aren’t ever eating or drinking anything other than water when you’re wearing your aligner as this could otherwise cause damage or staining.
Always carry a hardcover box for your aligners with you just in case you do need to take them out unexpectedly.
Make sure you wear your aligners for 22 hours a day; any less than this can greatly affect the time and quality of the treatment.