Due to fast-advancing dental technology, there are now different options available to correct misaligned or crooked teeth. Nowadays, aside from the regular metal braces, different braces offer the same benefits and results. One of which is Invisalign aligners — these are thin and clear aligners made from a flexible thermoplastic material.
As the name implies, Invisalign aligners are braces designed to be less visible compared to the other types. Although they are not entirely invisible, they are hardly noticeable when worn. If you are still on the fence about getting one and wondering: how long do Invisalign retainers last, here are some pieces of helpful information.
Factors Affecting the Invisalign Lifespan
The lifespan of Invisalign aligners varies depending on usage. It takes two weeks before getting a replacement, but they may break before then. However, they can also last longer depending on a few factors:
Eating
Unlike when wearing metal braces, there are no food restrictions when it comes to Invisalign aligners. You can eat and drink anything you want as long as you remove them before eating or drinking. However, if you wish to wear them while eating, there are still foods and drinks that you need to avoid, like jellybeans, caramels, gums, and other types of sticky food. The pull and tug at the aligners can cause cracks.
Additionally, you have to know that teeth are strong when it comes to chewing. They can subject your aligners to too much force, which can crack or damage them in other ways.
Cleaning
Several cleaning methods can also affect the lifespan of your aligners. Using denture cleaners, mouthwashes, and other cleaning products with alcohol content can likely cause damage to the thermoplastic material used for invisible aligners. These products are too harsh, so avoid using them as much as possible. Clean your aligners with care regularly to prevent any damage.
Storage
Every Invisalign comes with a case for safe storage. When not in use, keep your aligners in their cases. Your aligners are fragile, and they can break with poor storage practices. Additionally, they can easily get lost when you place them in any other storage not designed for them. Store your aligners in their cases and place them in an accessible area to keep them clean and safe from damage.
How to Clean Invisalign Aligners
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is a practice that keeps them damage-free and makes them last a long time. Here are some simple steps to follow in cleaning your aligners.
- Remove your aligners and rinse them with lukewarm or colder water. Remember that hot water can damage your aligners, so consider the water temperature when rinsing them.
- Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean both the interior and exterior sides of your aligners. Be gentle as brushing hard can scratch their surfaces. There are other cleaning products that you can use as well. Some involve soaking aligners together with denture cleaning tablets or solutions for a few minutes.
- After brushing or soaking your aligners, rewash them with clean water.
Why Regularly Clean Your Invisalign Aligners
Cleaning your aligners should become part of your daily oral care routine. If you don’t consider regularly cleaning your aligners, here are some things that can happen:
- Aligners will smell bad – Although aligners will still do their job, failing to clean them regularly will cause them to smell bad. This result is similar to a person with bad breath due to poor dental hygiene.
- Bacteria will grow – When not regularly cleaned, aligners promote the growth of bacteria. The accumulation of bacteria causes tooth decay and gum diseases.
Taking Care of Your Invisalign Aligners
Proper cleaning and storage of your aligners are surefire ways to prevent your aligners from getting damaged before replacement. Additionally, the following practices will help prevent dental issues from occurring too.
- Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything. You typically wear Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, so it is essential to know that you only remove them when eating or drinking anything except water.
- Brush or clean your teeth before putting your aligners back on. Since food and drinks leave residue on teeth and gum lines, brushing or cleaning is needed to avoid staining your aligners.
- Floss your teeth every day to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Poor oral hygiene enables bacteria to grow on your teeth and inside your aligners. Allowing bacteria to grow on teeth leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Don’t eat crunchy food or drink hot beverages while wearing aligners. If you forget to bring the case for your aligners and you don’t have any other choice but to wear them while eating or drinking, consume soft food and water only. Avoid food and drinks that can damage them.
- Don’t chew ice with your aligners on. Chewing ice can damage your aligners. Even when you don’t have your aligners on, avoid chewing ice as it can damage tooth enamel.
Are Invisalign Aligners for You?
Invisalign aligners can last with proper care and good dental hygiene. These aligners produce the same results as metal braces in correcting crooked or misaligned teeth when adequately maintained.
If you want to know whether they are for you, Century Dental is here to help you. We have the best dentists in South Pasadena, FL, to help you identify the best treatment for you. Contact us today! If you have any inquiries or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
