Are you using Invisalign to straighten your teeth? Whether you currently have aligning trays or are thinking about getting some, you’re probably wondering how to take care of your aligners. Caring for and cleaning your Invisalign aligners will ensure you get the best experience and results while wearing them. Follow these tips from your trusted dentist to learn how to keep your Invisalign aligners clear, discrete, healthy and helpful.
How to Clean Your Invisalign
Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is not only important for the treatment process, but it is integral to your oral health as well. Use the following cleaning tips to make sure your treatment is as effective as possible and your teeth are healthy.
Cleaning Do’s
- Rinse your aligners: Every time you take your aligners out, rinse them with room temperature water. This will clean out any dry saliva and plaque that harbors bacteria.
- Soak your aligners: You can use the official Invisalign cleaning crystals, or even denture cleaner to soak your trays to keep them sanitized and clear.
- Brush and floss: It is paramount that you brush and floss every time you take your Invisalign aligners out. Because the aligning trays are form fitting, bacteria can get trapped in between your teeth and the aligner. This can increase the likelihood of dental issues like cavities and decay in the future.
- Be gentle: Your aligners can get scratched so be careful that you aren’t cleaning or brushing your trays too hard.
- Use clear anti-bacterial soap: This will keep your trays clear and free of harmful bacteria. Using a colored soap will cause your aligners to fog up (change color) so they will not look as clear.
Cleaning Don’ts
Now that you know what you should do to care for your Invisalign aligners, let’s see what you should avoid:
- Don’t eat or drink with Invisalign: Water is the only thing you should consume while your aligning trays are in. Any other food or drink can stain them as well as cause them to stink.
- Don’t use toothpaste on your Invisalign aligning trays: Most toothpastes are abrasive and will dull down the clarity of your trays. It can even create little pockets for bacteria to dwell in.
- Don’t leave your Invisalign unprotected when it’s out of your mouth: Leaving them out while eating can expose your aligners to harmful germs and bacteria. When you take them out, rinse, soak, and then rinse again before putting the trays back in.
- Don’t use hot water: Never use hot water to clean your aligners because the heat can permanently warp the plastic making the device ineffective.
Following these simple do’s and don’ts will ensure your treatment process goes smoothly, and that your smile is straighter and more beautiful than ever!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Joseph Sandberg has served South Jersey communities for over 30 years! He is committed to helping each patient with their specific needs. He has his Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry due to his strong commitment to continuing education. He is ready to improve your smile with Invisalign treatment at South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine in Marlton and can be contacted by phone at (856) 596-4333 for any questions.