Choosing is a significant step toward achieving a beautifully aligned smile. However, to ensure the best results and maintain your oral health, it’s essential to care for your clear aligners properly. For those seeking guidance from our Ann Arbor, MI, Invisalign orthodontist here are some comprehensive tips on how to take care of clear aligners.
Can I Just Rinse My Clear Aligners?
Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is crucial for maintaining oral hygiene and the aligners’ transparency. It’s recommended to clean your aligners every time you brush your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild soap or Invisalign-specific cleaning crystals. Sure, it can be tempting to run them under some water and call them “clean”. However, it’s not that simple as that method does nothing to address the bacteria that may be accumulating on the aligners.
Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and cause scratches on the clear dental aligners, leading to a dull appearance and potential bacterial buildup. Gently brush the aligners inside and out, rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water, and avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic.
For times when you’d rather let your aligners soak, choose an approved cleaning solution. Never use mouthwash as alcohol within the mixture can distort your aligners and the colored dye can cause discoloration. Same advice goes whether it’s Invisalign for adults or teen patients.
The following are acceptable soaking solutions:
- Small amount of gentle liquid soap (clear, not colored) + a cup of water
- One part vinegar + 3 parts warm water
- Denture cleanser
Proper Clear Aligner Storage
When you’re not wearing your teeth aligners, it’s essential to store them properly to avoid damage or loss. Always keep your clear orthodontic aligners in their protective case when they are not in your mouth. This practice not only protects them from being misplaced or damaged but also minimizes exposure to bacteria.
For example, avoid wrapping them in napkins while eating or placing them in your pocket. Make it a habit throughout to carry your case with you so that your trays are kept safe and clean, whether you’re at home, work, or traveling.
What Can I Eat & Drink With Invisalign?
One of the benefits of Invisalign treatment is that the aligners are removable, allowing you to eat and drink without restrictions. However, it’s crucial to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Eating with dental aligners on can cause food particles and stains to get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, leading to cavities and discoloration. Additionally, hot beverages can warp the aligners and anything that isn’t clear has the potential to stain the trays.
After eating or drinking, brush your teeth and rinse your aligners before putting them back in your mouth to maintain their cleanliness and clarity.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene With Aligners
Good oral hygiene is essential when undergoing Invisalign treatment. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily will help prevent plaque buildup and cavities. Since Invisalign aligners fit snugly over your teeth, any food particles or plaque left behind can be trapped, increasing the risk of dental issues.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your treatment. Our local Invisalign orthodontist, can provide additional tips and recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
What’s the Correct Way to Handle Aligners?
It’s important that you handle your clear aligners with clean hands to avoid transferring bacteria and oils from your fingers. When inserting or removing your aligners, use gentle pressure and avoid using your nails, which can cause damage or distortion.
Don’t want to reach into your mouth? Available for order online, certain removal tools like the PULTOOL, Outie, and OrthoKey make the task of taking out your set of custom clear aligners easier than ever and more hygienic. Typically, tools of this nature are designed with a hook at one end and a notch on the other.
If your Invisalign clear aligners become cracked or damaged, contact our orthodontist immediately for a replacement. Continuing to wear damaged aligners can impede your treatment progress and affect the results.
Schedule an Invisalign Appointment
For personalized advice and professional care, consulting with our , can ensure you receive the support and guidance needed for a successful Invisalign experience. Call Enhance Orthodontics at (734) 821-7684 or contact us online to learn more.
This blog has been updated.