Misaligned teeth can be inconvenient and unsightly. Believe me, it happened to me back in junior high school. Thankfully, there’s now a reliable and efficient solution to this problem – Invisalign. So I’m glad my kids don’t have to go through what I did, as now Invisalign Wimbledon is available. This modern new way of realigning teeth is becoming increasingly popular among teens and young adults.

The great thing about it is that the aligners are completely removable, making them much more comfortable than traditional braces. However, properly maintaining your child’s Invisalign aligners is essential for effective results. And that’s what we’re going to highlight today, hoping your kids make the most out of this new technology. So, here is everything you need to know to help your child properly maintain their Invisalign.

Two Toothbrushes

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign requires special maintenance as the aligners should be kept clean and free of bacteria build-up. So, your child should never miss having two toothbrushes on the shelves: one for their regular use and another solely dedicated to cleaning their aligners. In some cases, a soft-bristled toothbrush or a denture cleaner can be used instead of a dedicated brush. This also should align with regular cleaning, including brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash.

Smooth Edges

Invisalign aligners can sometimes be uncomfortable and cause irritation to the gums or inside of the lips due to their edges. To make them more comfortable, it’s important to smooth out these edges with sandpaper so that they don’t cause any further discomfort. In fact, according to a study from Harvard, sanding down Invisalign edges can also help to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

Proper Sanitization

Aside from those, the aligners should also be sanitized properly at least twice a week to reduce the risk of bacteria build-up. This can be done by soaking them in either a denture cleaner or an antibacterial solution overnight and then rinsing them thoroughly before use. Furthermore, your child should never eat or drink anything (except water) while wearing their aligners, as this can cause staining or discoloration. It’s also worth keeping in mind that non-whitening toothpaste is preferred for cleaning their teeth when using Invisalign.

Regular Check-ups

Okay, your kids may have thousands of reasons not to go to their dentist or orthodontist, but regular check-ups are essential for making sure Invisalign is having the desired effect. This means that your child should go for their scheduled appointments to ensure the process is going in the right direction and make any necessary adjustments as needed. A big part of this includes ensuring the aligners fit correctly and are being worn for the prescribed time.

So, as a parent, what can you do to make all of these happen though your kids are just unpredicted? The key to helping your child properly maintain their Invisalign is by encouraging them to take responsibility for their own dental health. Remind them of the importance of having a healthy mouth and that it’s in their best interest to take care of it. After all, the best smile is the healthiest smile.…