How to Clean and Care for Invisalign Aligners Fort Lauderdale, FL

Before starting Invisalign, the thought of multiple daily cleanings of the trays can seem daunting. Once you establish a habit, though, the routine is easy to maintain, and you will discover it’s not as labor-intensive as you first thought. Your Invisalign team at Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale is always ready to help when it comes to the best ways to clean and care for Invisalign aligners.

Why Cleaning Invisalign Trays Is So Important

One of the biggest reasons people love Invisalign is because the trays are clear. They’re hard to see and you can straighten your smile without anyone really noticing. If you neglect to clean your aligners, that will no longer be the case.

• Avoid negative side effects: Without regular cleanings, those super-thin, super-clear plastic trays will become discolored, stained, and may even start to smell.
• Every day matters: It may seem like a waste of time to clean aligners that will only be worn for about two weeks, but each day contributes to the success of the whole treatment.
• Protect oral health: Dirty trays that sit right against tooth enamel for hours at a time – especially if teeth haven’t been brushed and flossed often – can lead to tooth decay.
• Avoid interruptions: The last thing anyone wants is to interrupt their orthodontic treatment because they need to get a tooth-colored filling or even gum disease treatment.

Clean and Care 101 for Invisalign Aligners

There is not a lot to do to clean and care for Invisalign aligners. The following tips can keep you in great shape throughout your entire treatment

• Do not eat with trays on your teeth: Invisalign is not damage-proof so, if you eat with them in your mouth, you could easily crack the aligners. Any food that builds up on the trays will also lead to odors, bad breath, and lack of desire to wear the trays as instructed.
• Do take aligners out to eat: You can eat whatever you want when you wear Invisalign, but only if you remove the trays first. Otherwise, that invisibility factor will disappear because food debris and drink coloring will show up on the aligners.
• Do clean the trays regularly: Invisalign is low-maintenance. Soak the trays daily with cleaning tablets and rinse and brush them every time you remove them from your mouth. These minimal efforts keep your teeth healthy and treatment on track.
• Do use your case: Carry your Invisalign case with you so you can stash the trays safely if you need to remove them. Your case is always safer than storing the aligners in a napkin, pocket, or bag temporarily.

Develop a Daily Invisalign Cleaning Ritual

There is no way around it – you must clean Invisalign aligners daily, just like you clean your teeth daily (hopefully twice a day, if not more). This small effort will contribute helpfully to the progress of your treatment and leave you with aligners that maintain their invisibility and straighten your teeth the way they’re supposed to – discreetly.

Here is the easiest way to clean and care for Invisalign aligners:

• Scrub: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, unscented soap to remove plaque, saliva, and food particles that have collected on the trays.
• Soak: Use the recommended Invisalign crystals or tablets to soak the aligners regularly.
• Schedule: Establish and stick to a routine that fits into your daily schedule. Adding Invisalign to your usual oral hygiene routine means you’ll never forget this critical task.

Keep Your Smile Healthy During Invisalign Treatment

Learn everything you need to know about being an Invisalign patient from certified Invisalign provider Dr. Charmaine Johnson at Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale. Contact us to find out if you’re a good candidate for this innovative treatment.