Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners: Tips and Tricks
Maintaining your Invisalign aligners properly helps achieve the best results in your dental treatment. At any Invisalign dental clinic, you’ll receive detailed guidance on how to take care of your aligners, but having a handy reference can make day-to-day care simpler. This guide will provide you with practical tips and tricks to ensure your aligners stay clean, clear, and effective throughout your treatment journey.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Cleaning your aligners is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment. Food particles and bacteria can easily get trapped in the aligners, leading to plaque buildup, bad breath, and potential damage to your teeth. Here are some tips for keeping your aligners clean:
- Rinse after removal: Whenever you remove your aligners, give them a quick rinse under running water to get rid of any saliva or food debris.
- Use gentle soap: Once a day, use a small amount of clear antibacterial soap or mild dish soap to clean your aligners. Avoid using colored or scented soaps, as they may stain or discolor your aligners.
- Use a soft toothbrush: Gently brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any remaining plaque or debris. Do not use toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and damage the aligners.
- Soak in Invisalign cleaning crystals: Invisalign offers specially formulated cleaning crystals that effectively remove plaque and bacteria from your aligners. Simply dissolve one packet of crystals in a cup of warm water and soak your aligners for 15 minutes.
- Avoid hot water: Hot water can warp or deform your aligners, so always use lukewarm or cool water when cleaning them.
- Keep your case clean: Make sure to regularly clean your Invisalign case with soap and water to prevent bacteria buildup.
Other Tips for Maintaining Your Aligners
In addition to keeping your aligners clean, there are other important tips you should follow to ensure the success of your Invisalign treatment:
- Brush and floss before wearing your aligners: It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing before putting your aligners back in. This will help prevent bacteria and plaque from getting trapped against your teeth.
- Avoid eating or drinking with your aligners in: While it may be tempting to keep your aligners in while snacking or drinking, it’s best to remove them to prevent food particles from getting stuck and causing damage to both your teeth and aligners.
- Store them properly when not in use: When you’re not wearing your aligners, make sure to store them in their case and keep the case in a safe place. This will prevent damage or loss of your aligners.