Invisalign© offers a simple, convenient solution for teens and adults who want all the benefits of beautiful, straight teeth without the hassles of braces. With Invisalign, you can enjoy a more beautiful smile and greater confidence. Plus, since straight teeth are easier to care for, having treatments means you just might reap the benefits of better oral health, like fewer cavities and a lower risk of gum disease. But let’s face it: All those benefits won’t seem quite as sweet if caring for your aligners takes a lot of time and effort. The good news is, caring for your Invisalign trays is just as simple and convenient as the treatment itself. All it takes is a little know-how and a minimal amount of effort to keep your trays in good shape. Here’s what to do.
1. Brush your aligners twice a day
Just like your teeth, your aligners need regular brushing to keep them clean and fresh. Brushing also removes sticky plaque buildup and bacteria that can cause bad breath and cavities. To brush the aligners, use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle motion to clean the inside and the outside of each aligner. Avoid abrasive and whitening toothpastes, since these can scratch or scuff your aligners, making them more visible. Ideally, set aside a toothbrush just for your aligners, especially if you use your regular toothbrush with whitening paste or gel. Don’t use soap products to clean your aligners, since they can contain perfumes, dyes, or bad-tasting chemicals.
2. Soak them once a day
After brushing your aligners, pop them aligners into a cup or other container along with a denture tablet or the special cleaning solution provided by Invisalign. Soaking provides additional freshness, and it also helps remove any bacteria and sticky film that weren’t removed by brushing. You can also soak your aligners before brushing them if you prefer.
3. Keep the container handy
Your aligners come with a special container that’s designed to protect them from damage when they’re not in your mouth. When you remove your aligners for meals or dental appointments, keep them in their container so they don’t get broken, bent or scuffed. Don’t slip them into a pocket or purse where they can be damaged by other items.
4. Always take your aligners out for meals
Your Invisalign aligners are designed to slip out easily, so you can — and should — remove them before meals or snacks. If you don’t remove the aligners before meals, the biting and chewing motions can damage the plastic material, and the foods you eat can also stain your aligners. Plus, food particles can become stuck between your aligners and your teeth, increasing your risk for cavities.
5. Rinse your aligners after meals
Since your aligners are already out of your mouth for meals, it’s a great time to give them a little freshening treatment with a quick rinse. Just run them under the tap or use a few squirts from a water bottle to help get rid of any bacteria that could cause bad breath. While you’re at it, rinse your mouth before putting your aligners back in to get rid of food particles. When else should you rinse? After drinking a beverage with a dark color, like coffee or fruit drinks, since the pigments in these drinks might stain your aligners.
6. Don’t expose your aligners to heat
Your aligners are designed to be sturdy, but because they’re made of a special plastic, they can still be damaged by heat. When you’re not wearing your aligners, keep them in their container and stash the container in your pocket or bag; never leave them in a hot car or in the direct sun.
At MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team is always ready to help our patients get the most from their Invisalign treatment. If you have more questions about your aligners or if you’re wondering if Invisalign is a good treatment option for you, book an appointment online today.
