Caring for your Invisalign aligners during the COVID-19 Pandemic
During this unprecedented time in our history we are faced with tremendous uncertainty regarding the novel Coronavirus and its potential impact. In a short period of time it has become all encompassing and affecting virtually every aspect of our lives.
We have learned that in order to stay safe and help prevent the spread of the virus, good hygiene practices are critical. Part of this involves proper oral hygiene and specifically handling removable oral appliances with extra care. Invisalign is one such common appliance that is removable and requires extra attention these days in terms of hygiene. Dr. Rothman and Pinecrest Orthodontics are here to provide tips for staying clean and safe with your Invisalign aligners.
Wash Your Hands!
As we have heard over and over in recent weeks, the most important way to combat virus transmission is by washing your hands. Before inserting or removing your Invisalign aligners make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. The CDC advises to wash your hands regularly for a minimum of 20 seconds. This is particularly important after being in a public place or touching anything that could be potentially contaminated with COVID-19. If soap and water are not nearby or readily available, you will need to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
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Clean Your Aligners
It is always important to follow a strict cleaning routine with your Invisalign aligners and especially now in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. Always brush your aligners in the morning and at night before bed, and also ideally after lunch. Brushing manually removes plaque buildup and bacteria that have accumulated on the aligners. Rinsing your aligners as soon as they are removed is also a good practice to help reduce residue buildup on them.
Soak Your Aligners
Soaking your aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner is additionally recommended to help reduce buildup and unwanted bacteria on your aligners. If these are not available, a great natural alternative is a 50/50 soak of lukewarm water and distilled vinegar. This will keep them clean and shiny. .5-3% hydrogen peroxide is another option. Avoid soaking your aligners in Listerine or other colored mouth rinses, which will stain your aligners.
Keep Your Case Clean
The case for your aligners is often overlooked as receptacles that harbor undesirable bacteria and odors. We always recommend washing your aligner case every few days with warm water and soap to help eliminate the grime that accumulates on it from daily use.
It is normal to feel anxious and uneasy during this trying time. However we must rest assured that we will stay safe through this crisis by following the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which includes regularly washing hands, maintaining social distancing, wearing masks in public settings, and generally staying informed. Have any further questions about staying clean with your Invisalign aligners? Contact Pinecrest Orthodontics… we are here to help!
