One of the most important parts of Invisalign treatment is caring for the aligners properly every day. This includes cleaning them thoroughly, but also keeping them safe. To avoid negative side effects – including gross trays, tooth decay, and derailed alignment – follow these tips to clean and care for Invisalign aligners.
The Easiest Ways to Take Care of Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign trays are clear, and this feature makes them one of the most sought-after alignment methods available. If you want to keep those aligners staying that way and keep your orthodontics discreet, follow these tips to clean and care for Invisalign aligners:
- Establish a routine: Once you figure out how, where, and when you clean your Invisalign trays, the routine develops, the habit forms, and the work is simply a matter of checking the box on daily orthodontic care and oral hygiene.
- Scrub and soak: Without regular cleanings, the thin, clear, plastic trays can become discolored, stained, and smell bad too. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear soap to remove plaque, saliva, and any food that has collected on the trays. Soak the trays regularly using Invisalign cleaning tablets.
- Prioritize: Even though Invisalign trays are worn in sets for about two weeks at a time, they still need to be cleaned. A lot can happen in two weeks. Unsightly and poorly kept aligners can interfere with progress.
- Clean your teeth too: A dirty Invisalign tray is one thing – add it to poorly cleaned teeth and the problem is even bigger. Dirty teeth and trays that are put together for hours are a serious problem and cavities are almost a given. Brush and floss at least twice a day, more if you can manage it.
- Keep your case close: Keeping Invisalign trays safe when they’re out of your mouth is an essential part of care. The last thing you want to do is wrap up your nearly invisible aligners in a napkin or put them in your pocket or bag. They could be easily discarded, lost, or damaged. If they’re in their case, there is no chance for a problem to occur.
- Follow the eating rules: Do not eat with trays on your teeth. Biting and chewing could easily crack your aligners. Plus, that whole food build-up thing again. You can eat whenever you want, just remember that even snacks require Invisalign to come out first.
Are Invisalign Aligners Right for You?
If you visit your Fort Lauderdale certified Invisalign provider for Invisalign treatment, this also means you’ll be in the place you need to be for twice-annual teeth cleanings and dental checkups. Preventive care is more important than ever when you have braces of any kind so you can tend to developing cavities, cracks, or other problems immediately to ensure your oral health is in good shape and Invisalign doesn’t get derailed.
Living with Invisalign is easy. All you need is a little patience to initiate the trays into your lifestyle. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Charmaine Johnson at Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to find out if Invisalign is right for you.
