Yearly Archives: 2018

If Invisalign trays aren’t cleaned properly, they can become dingy, dull or discolored. To get your gleaming smile at the end of your treatment, you need two things — good oral hygiene and clean aligners. The good oral hygiene part is simple — brush and floss your teeth regularly to avoid cavities and decay. Cleaning your trays and keeping them invisible, while simple in practice, can be a little daunting for new patients. The question looms in every new patient’s mind: “How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?” We’ve broken the methods down for you so you can choose which works best with your daily routine.

1. Invisalign Cleaning System — The cleaning kit comes with a tub and pack of 50 cleaning crystals and costs $75, with refill packs running at $50 a pop. To use, you combine a crystal with water and soak your aligners for 15 minutes. While easy and efficient, the cleaning system isn’t exactly cost-effective, which brings us to a few cheaper solutions.
2. Efferdent or Polident — When you’re having a meal, soak your aligners in denture cleaner to keep them fresh and clean. Once they’ve soaked for about 15 minutes, take the trays out and brush off any buildup that might be left with your toothbrush. Some dentists don’t recommend denture cleansers because they say it can make the aligners look cloudy, however many patients swear by this practice.
3. Retainer Brite — Retainer Brite can be used in the same way as denture cleaners, but differ in that it’s formulated with the proper PH that won’t harshly affect plastic.
4. Mouthwash — Some patients like to soak their trays in mouthwash to clean them. It’s important to note that Listerine Cool Mint may leave a greenish tint on your trays. Using whitening mouthwash can sidestep this issue since the liquid is clear.
5. Antibacterial liquid soap (hand or dish) — Brushing your aligners with antibacterial soap is an easy way to get rid of the bacteria that accumulates on your trays. Just make sure to give them a really good rinse before you put them back in your mouth.
6. Hydrogen peroxide — Hydrogen peroxide is used mainly for its bacteria-killing power — that’s why we put it in our open wounds. Make a solution with half peroxide and half water and let your trays soak for 20 minutes. They’ll work as well as denture cleaners, etc., but is significantly cheaper. You can buy a bottle for 50 cents at a drugstore.
7. Vinegar — Same thing as hydrogen peroxide. Just make a solution with half vinegar, half warm water and let them soak while you’re having a meal. Take them out, brush and rinse them off and let them dry before you put them back in your mouth. If you’re apprehensive about the taste, don’t worry too much. It’s only temporary.

If you want to keep it simple, a toothbrush and some toothpaste will do the job just fine, as long as you’re consistent with it. Some toothpaste can be abrasive, however, and will dull your trays. Try sensitive toothpaste if it is an issue for you.

For more information on Invisalign, or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us at  (513) 651-0110. Dr. Troy Pearce is located in Downtown Cincinnati, [full state] and is a Preferred Invisalign provider.

So you’re tired of your crooked smile and/or mismatched jaw, but don’t know what type of orthodontic treatment is right for you? The two top contenders — Invisalign and traditional braces — come with their own set of pros and cons.

Braces

How it works:

Small brackets are strategically placed on each tooth and attached using a type of bonding cement. A wire is run through each bracket and exerts a light force that makes your teeth to move.

Pros:

• Braces are the all-around handyman. She’ll fix pretty much anything, he’ll do it in one go and he’ll get the job done
• Braces require very little responsibility from the patient and are virtually impossible to lose
• They’re often less expensive than other treatments

Cons:

• Braces are very noticeable, which can make a big impact on your confidence
• They hurt sometimes. Since you’re adjusting the wires every few weeks, the pressure and pain will become a regular thing (and soup will become a regular part of your diet)
• The wires poke and the brackets scrape
• Periodontal health is difficult to maintain because it’s more difficult to brush and floss
• Food restrictions. No more gum and no more popcorn, among other things

Invisalign

How it works:

A certified Invisalign provider will provide a personal diagnosis and create an individualized plan for you. Your custom aligners are created using advanced 3D computer imaging technology and you wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Every two weeks, a new set of aligners will be provided until the treatment is done.

Pros:

• It’s invisible. The comfortable and clear plastic allows you to smile confidently throughout treatment
• Invisalign is removable, so you can take them out to eat, drink, brush and floss as you normally would
• It’s convenient and comfortable. Patients have fewer appointments and aligners apply less force on your teeth than traditional braces
• There’s no bonding cement or impressions — everything is created through digital 3D imaging

Cons:

• Invisalign’s effectiveness is directly related to your willingness to wear the aligners
• Invisalign can be a little expensive, especially if patients misplace their trays
• There’s an increased risk for cavities since sugar gets trapped in the aligners

While both treatments vary in their advantages and disadvantages, the only way you can know which method is best for you is to get a consultation with a doctor.

For more information on Invisalign, or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us at  (513) 651-0110. Dr. Troy Pearce is located in Downtown Cincinnati, [full state] and is a Preferred Invisalign provider.