In modern society, it is widely recognised that maintaining good health is an important factor when it comes to a person’s well-being. However, it is perhaps less well-known that oral health has a notable impact on someone’s overall health and well-being. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to a host of dental problems and health issues. Bacteria in the mouth can contribute to causing infections if not kept under control and can lead to the development of dental cavities, bad breath and gum disease.
There are many aspects that are imperative to consider when approaching teeth straightening treatments, such as Invisalign London. One such consideration must be the impact that treatment has on maintaining good oral hygiene. Practising good oral hygiene offers an array of benefits, including achieving healthier teeth and gums, a beautiful smile, and contributing towards the prevention of the aforementioned oral health problems: cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Good oral hygiene
It is common knowledge that habits such as regular flossing and effective brushing are among the techniques that can create good dental hygiene habits; these are used to help remove plaque (a colourless film of bacteria) from patients’ teeth. However, when it comes to treatments of any kind, particularly when dental fixtures are involved, maintaining a good level of dental hygiene may become more difficult. One of the many advantages of treatment with clear aligners is their ability to be removed by the patient for hygiene purposes. This affords patients ample opportunity to continue with their at-home oral hygiene routines.
Maintaining clean and healthy aligners
Cleanliness is of utmost importance when it comes to treatment with transparent aligners. The aligners should be worn for the majority of the day, at least 20-22 hours, making them susceptible to the accumulation of stray food particles, bacteria, and plaque. This is, of course, quite normal and to be expected as a side effect of everyday life when clear braces are in-situ. However, if not kept properly clean, these substances can lead to the development of dental issues.
To help maintain the cleanliness of their aligners, some individuals turn to cleaning crystals. These crystals are specifically created to clean and sanitise the aligners effectively. They can come in small packets, each containing a precise amount of cleaning crystals. When mixed with warm water, the crystals create a cleansing solution that helps eliminate harmful bacteria and odours. They can often be purchased from dental practices that offer treatment with aligners.
How to use cleaning crystals
Using these cleaning crystals should be a straightforward process. Firstly, the aligners are removed from the patient’s mouth and thoroughly but gently rinsed with lukewarm water to remove any loose debris. A soft-bristled toothbrush may also be useful to remove any debris which remains stuck to the aligners. Next, a teaspoon of the cleaning crystals is mixed with a cup of water in a suitable container. The aligners can then be placed into the resulting solution and left to soak for about 15 minutes. After the soaking process has taken place, the aligners are removed from the solution, rinsed thoroughly, and ready to be worn again. This simple and effective cleaning routine should be performed daily to ensure the hygiene of the aligners.
What are the benefits of cleaning clear aligners?
Regularly cleaning your aligners with the help of these cleaning crystals offers several benefits. Firstly, it helps to prevent the expected buildup of plaque and bacteria. By keeping the aligners clean, individuals can more effectively maintain good dental health throughout their treatment process. Additionally, having clean aligners can provide a more pleasant wearing experience. Bacteria and food particles trapped in the aligners can contribute to bad breath, creating an unpleasant odour. Regular cleaning helps towards eliminating these sources of odour, keeping the aligners fresh.
Furthermore, persisting with keeping aligners clean can help reduce the risk of staining. Certain beverages, such as red wine, tea and coffee can stain the aligners if not cleaned correctly. Moreover, foods containing colourants and tomato-based meals may contribute to the risk of staining. By consistently utilising cleaning crystals, individuals can contribute to the prevention of discolouration and help to ensure that their aligners remain transparent and discreet. Of course, the advantage of treatment with aligners is indeed their removability for the duration of mealtimes. By removing the braces while eating and drinking (as long as they are still being worn for the instructed length duration per day), patients can further reduce the risk of staining their aligners; this also allows patients to continue enjoying their preferred foods and drinks throughout treatment.
