One of the biggest draws of Invisalign is that this orthodontic alternative uses clear, nearly invisible trays to straighten teeth. However, the trays only stay clear if the wearer cleans them properly. It’s not difficult to keep Invisalign trays clean and fresh – it’s only a matter of knowing the dos and don’ts and honoring them.
Use soap and water.
You can clean your aligners inexpensively with clear, unscented, antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any stuck-on particles and keep things clear. Don’t use colored or scented soaps to avoid residue, discoloration, or an unpleasant taste.
Use the Invisalign cleaning system.
The makers of Invisalign offer a cleaning system designed to keep aligners clear and odor free. The special cleaning crystals remove plaque from the aligners in about 15 minutes of daily soaking and you can put Invisalign back in your mouth after the soak and a quick brush and rinse.
No eating or drinking while wearing Invisalign.
One of the golden rules for keeping Invisalign clear is to not eat or drink while the aligners are in place. You could damage the trays by eating with them in but also, you are more likely to stain the trays. Water is the only thing you can eat or drink while Invisalign is in place if you want to maintain the integrity and appearance of the aligners.
Rinse the aligners every time you remove them.
Rinse the aligners every time you remove them to keep plaque at bay and avoid a buildup of dried saliva.
Brush and floss before putting Invisalign back in your mouth.
Many patients groan at the thought of having to brush and floss their teeth more often, but Invisalign is a commitment and putting in the effort to keep both the trays and your teeth clean throughout treatment will be worth it. Carry a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and your aligner case with you and clean your teeth after eating to avoid trapping food particles.
Establish morning and bedtime cleaning routines.
Morning and evening cleaning routines should be the norm for an Invisalign-wearer. You brush your teeth when you wake up and before you go to bed – just add Invisalign to the mix.
After wearing Invisalign all night while you sleep, bacteria and saliva will build up. Establishing a thorough morning cleaning routine for your trays and teeth is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and keep aligners clean.
Cleaning the teeth and aligners before bed ensures that you’re going to sleep with a fresh mouth and have a lower chance of bacteria of buildup wreaking havoc through the night.
Find Out If Invisalign Is Right for You
Invisalign does amazing work discreetly, but if not cleaned properly you’ll be facing discolored aligners that have a buildup of bacteria and odor. This will not only make Invisalign look gross, it poses a threat to your oral health if plaque and food particles are so snug against your teeth for long periods of time.
If you don’t keep the aligners clean, people will notice you’re wearing braces – and the whole point of getting Invisalign was to avoid that entirely, right? Make the effort. Keep your trays clean. Get your dental cleanings. It doesn’t take much effort.
We are certified Invisalign providers at Premier Smile Center. Contact Fort Lauderdale dentist Dr. Charmaine Johnson to schedule a consultation and learn more.
