As an excellent Invisalign alternative, Spark orthodontic treatment can be a convenient and effective way to straighten teeth for many patients. Lots of people love that the aligner trays have a discreet appearance! However, in order for them to stay looking good, they require some care. What can you do to keep your Spark trays in great shape? This blog post provides a few helpful tips.
Regularly Rinse Your Aligners
It is a good idea to rinse your aligners frequently — in fact, you should rinse them whenever you are preparing to place them in your mouth. This habit can help to reduce the number of bacteria on your aligners and reduce the risk that saliva will harden on them and cause them to become discolored.
Clean Your Aligners Nightly
Even if you consistently rinse your aligners, that is not a substitute for a thorough nightly cleaning. Every evening, it is recommended that you use a soft brush and a mild cleaning agent to clean all your aligners’ surfaces. It would also be wise to soak them in a cleansing solution for 30 minutes or so (many people choose to do this while they are eating dinner).
Keep Your Mouth Clean
If you do not regularly brush and floss your teeth, bacteria could transfer from your oral tissues onto your aligners. In turn, this could lead to unwanted odors, stained aligners, and bacterial buildup. It is best to brush and floss after each meal so your Spark trays always get placed on clean teeth.
Store Your Aligners Securely
You should only remove your aligners when you are eating or caring for oral hygiene. During these periods, you should be careful to place your Spark trays in a secure place. Do not wrap them in a napkin while you eat, and do not place them anywhere a pet or small child could get ahold of them. Instead, put them in a designated storage case.
Mind Your Eating and Drinking Habits
The only thing you should consume while your Spark trays are in your mouth is plain water (it should be cool or room temperature — not hot). Eating or drinking anything else could cause your aligners to become warped or stained.
Ask Your Orthodontist if You Have Questions or Concerns
If you ever have questions or concerns related to your Spark aligners, call your orthodontist’s office. They will do all they can to address the issue at hand so you can enjoy successful and easy treatment.
Caring for Spark is not difficult or complicated! Use the above tips to keep your aligners in great shape.
Meet the Practice
The three orthodontists in our practice are proud to work together to provide top-quality care for our community. Spark clear aligners are just one of the many treatments we offer. If you would like to know more about this innovative Invisalign alternative, we would be happy to answer your questions. Get in touch with our Bend, OR, team at 541-848-6642.