Written by Dr. Chaw Su Kyi on April 20, 2020
Here are our Top Tips for protecting your removable brace while at home: 1) Keep it clean and prevent plaque build-up – which can lead to bad breath as well as cavities – by always cleaning it whenever you remove it; 2) Store it in its protective case when you’re not wearing it, even if for only a short time; 3) Don’t eat anything, including chewing gum, or drink anything, other than plain water, while still wearing your aligners, as you risk scratching, warping or breaking them.
If you’ve forgotten to wear your removable brace, as soon as you remember, simply clean your teeth and the brace before putting it back in your mouth. For best results, you need to wear Invisalign, for example, for at least 22 hours a day – any less and your treatment time could be longer. If you haven’t worn your brace for more than a day and it feels uncomfortably snug, please contact us for advice.
If you notice you’re getting bad breath, the rotten egg smell comes from bacteria breaking down plaque build-up and food particles left on or between your teeth or on your aligner. To fix this, be sure to do the following: 1) Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day as well as 20 minutes after eating anything; 2) Use an interdental brush or floss to clean between your teeth; 3) Rinse and clean your aligner as soon as you take it out of your mouth.
If your aligner goes missing, it’s not the end of the world. If you’ve just switched to the aligner you’ve lost, simply go back to wearing the previous one. But if you were about to move on to your next aligner, you’ll probably be able to start wearing that one earlier. However, please get in touch with us so we can advise you as to what’s best in your particular case.
If it’s the edge of your aligner that’s rubbing, use a nail file to gently smooth it. If it’s your teeth, remember that it’s quite normal for them to ache or feel slightly uncomfortable when you switch to a new set of aligners, as your teeth are gently being moved to their next position. If any discomfort doesn’t settle down after a couple of days and over-the-counter pain relief doesn’t help, or if it turns to actual pain, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
West London Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Serving patients in Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush, and Chiswick, Dr Kyi and her team specialise in various brace options, including Invisalign. Book a consultation today.
