![Girl with blond hair and glasses pointing to her Invisalign that she's holding](https://www.mainstpediatric.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_469795767-300x200.jpg)
Did you know that having crooked or gapped teeth can impact your child’s appearance as well as their dental health? They might try to remain tight-lipped or avoid social interactions if they don’t want anyone to notice aesthetic imperfections. On top of that, it’s generally harder to thoroughly brush and floss when they can’t reach all sides of their teeth. They’re at a greater risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease as a result.
If you’re desperate to help straighten your kid’s grin but don’t want to deal with traditional braces, ask your pediatric dentist about Invisalign. These clear, plastic aligners fit over your child’s teeth to gently reposition them. That said, it’s important to care for them properly so they can do their job.
Keep reading to learn 3 tips for keeping your youth’s Invisalign in tip-top shape!
Tip #1: Rinse Them Frequently
There are plenty of germs in your child’s mouth, and they’re prone to clinging to Invisalign. Because they must wear the trays for 22 hours every day, there’s ample time for them to flourish in the space between their teeth and the plastic. Their ‘invisible’ orthodontics could become cloudy or even tinted yellow if they’re not regularly cleaned.
You should encourage them to take their aligners out for meals to prevent harm while eating. Then, have them rinse the trays gently with water before reinserting them. This eradicates unwanted particles and counterbalances any potential acid damage from any foods or drinks they’ve consumed.
Tip #2: Brush and Floss Before Reinserting
You don’t want your youth to put their freshly cleansed Invisalign back into a dirty mouth, so it’s recommended that they brush and floss before doing so. This clears away any plaque buildup and toxic bacteria to prevent potential dental problems. If they don’t take this step, there’s a good chance that they’ll insert them over leftover food or germs that will be trapped over their teeth for the rest of the day.
Tip #3: Don’t Leave Them Out
Your kid’s clear aligners aren’t intended to dry out, and if they do, they could crack or become warped so that they no longer fit correctly. That means they won’t be able to effectively shift their teeth and could delay their treatment timeline. Furthermore, germs love to hide in fractures on the surface and proliferate in dry conditions. To prevent this, don’t leave them out for long periods in the open air. Always encourage your child to take the carrier case with them wherever they go so that if they must take them out, they have a safe and secure place to store them.
Taking a few extra precautions can go a long way toward keeping your child’s Invisalign clean and clear so that they can make the most of their orthodontics!
About the Practice
At Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, your family benefits from two highly qualified dentists who offer a full range of services for still-developing smiles, including Invisalign. They know that many children get anxious when it comes to the dentist and so they go above and beyond to help them feel comfortable for their appointments. Then, using state-of-the-art technology, they provide fully individualized solutions to meet their unique dental needs. If your child is suffering from crooked teeth and you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling (925) 425-9292.