November 2016 | Dr. Currie's Dentistry Blog

I am a little neurotic when it comes to germs in all areas of my life. I sanitize my house, my office, my phone, you name it. I just started doing Invisalign last week. And I can hardly stand thinking about that fact that the trays could be cleaner. I brush regularly and I use toothpaste to clean my trays after each meal, as well as morning and night. But, I feel like there could be some bacteria that is growing that isn’t addressed by brushing. I literally think about it all the time and am convinced my breath is smelly now too. So, I have to wonder if it’s due to the Invisalign aligners? I’m seriously considering running the aligners through the dishwasher. Is that going to ruin them? Please let me know if there is anything else I can do? I need to put my mind at ease.

-Janie in Washington

No, do not put your Invisalign aligners in the dishwasher. The water gets way too hot and it is possible they will not retain their shape, melt or distort them. Even if you are able to control the heat setting, dishwashers are extremely powerful appliances and there is too much of a risk for them to become damaged.

Did your dentist provide you with cleaning instructions when you received them? There are special cleaning kits made by Invisalign. Call your dentist to learn more about this option. Or you can create your own formula to clean the aligners more effectively, by mixing a formula of half white vinegar with half water. If you soaked them once a week for 30-40 minutes, that will help sanitize them. Remember, Invisalign trays are only used for two weeks at a time before it’s time to use the new trays. Sometimes trays are used for longer than the two week time frame. But if after talking with your dentist, they will only be required for two weeks, it is possible to use a full mixture of vinegar. This method will not discolor or damage the aligners, while killing any bacteria that you are concerned about.

It’s good to hear that you are already brushing them regularly. But feel free to discus the bad breath and your hygiene concerns with your dentist directly. He or she may have some more personalized instructions to help put your mind at ease.

So, to reiterate, do not put your aligners in the dishwasher. Another helpful tip is to avoid sugar because it actively feeds bacteria growth. Tooth decay is a risk if sugar becomes trapped between your teeth and the aligners. But it sounds like you are doing a good job of removing them and brushing after meals.

Thank you for your question.

This post is sponsored by York PA dentist Donald H. Currie, DMD

My friend had a dental implant horror story because she traveled to Mexico to get a good deal on them. She couldn’t say enough good things about the dentist when this all got started. The implant dentist received his education here in the United States and apparently had excellent reviews. She took several trips down over the next year and said she had a positive experience each time she went. But once it was all said and done, she ended up with a terrible infection. When she went back to Mexico, the dentist prescribed some antibiotics and sent her home. Everything seemed okay, until she completed the antibiotics and the infection returned and intensified. Her whole face swelled and when she went back to have the dentist help, he decided to remove it all. So, now she is left with nothing. I was really considering a similar treatment plan, but now I’m wondering if pursuing affordable dental implants is a mistake?

-Beverly in Arizona

Beverly,

It would not be in your best interest to choose an implant dentist located outside the United States. Other countries just don’t have as stringent regulations as we do here. This can mean in cheaper fees, but you never know what you’ll end up with. Although it is tempting, it really isn’t the best plan in the long run. Drugs and medical devices aren’t comparable to what we have in the United States. In another country, like Mexico, you are taking the word of the dentist. Even if they have decent reviews, there is no way to be sure of the level of service you will receive. If you have a problem with the service, you are at the mercy of the dentist and whatever contract or arrangements you’ve agreed to. Legal matters are different elsewhere to. You could very well end up on your own.

Dental implants require extensive education, training and experience. Not just any dentist can provide successful dental implants, as your friend has experienced. As for the specifics involved with your friend’s case and what may have gone wrong, there is no way to determine exactly what happened. It may have been something that would have happened in the United States anyway. Or it could be a result of cheaper, substandard materials or a lack of skill. There isn’t any way to tell.

Finding and affordable dental implants in the States isn’t out of the question. Other lesser expensive treatment plans, like mini implants may be a possibility for the right candidate. Also, if traditional dental implants prove to be too expensive, a dental bridge or dentures may be right for you. It’s all about finding the right dentist that you can trust, with the right expertise and ultimately quality materials. You can also discuss affordable payment arrangements, once you find the right dentist.

The bottom line is to proceed with extreme caution if entertaining the idea of getting dental treatment done out of the country. Although, it is tempting to save a lot of money, it isn’t worth the potential for problems and additional expense in the long run.

Thank you for your question.

This post is sponsored by York PA dentist Donald H. Currie, DMD

Is it safe to clean my Invisalign trays in the dishwasher?

Is it a mistake to get affordable dental implants?

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