6 Tips for Effectively Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners

As you’re undergoing treatment with Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you want to be sure to care for them properly so that you can have a healthy and successful experience. To help out, a local dentist has compiled a list of 6 tips that will ensure your clear aligners function properly. Therefore, you can have a clear path to achieving the smile of your dreams!

#1 – Remove and Clean the Aligners in the Morning

You’ll sleep with your aligner trays inserted, which means billions of new bacteria will have accumulated on them and inside your mouth by the next morning. Thus, it’s important to remove the trays so you can clean and soak them and perform your normal oral hygiene routine.

#2 – Rinse the Aligners with Each Removal

Every time you remove your aligner trays, you should rinse them under cool water. This will help prevent the buildup of dried saliva and plaque. You can also clean the trays with a small amount of clear anti-bacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

#3 – Soak the Aligners

At least once a day, you should soak your aligner trays. You can either use a denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals. After soaking them for around 15 minutes, you can use an extra toothbrush with soft bristles to remove any debris that may have accumulated on the trays. When you’re done, simply rinse the trays before reinserting them in your mouth.

#4 – Don’t Leave Your Aligners Laying in the Open

Your dentist will provide a special case for storing your aligner trays when you’re not wearing them. Otherwise, they can be subject to bacteria accumulating and getting damaged. To be on the safe side, always keep your storage case handy.

#5 – Plan Accordingly for Trips

Typically, you’ll switch aligner trays every two weeks. That means you’ll need to plan in advance before taking a trip. Therefore, you won’t risk interrupting your treatment and even experiencing regression. If you know that you’ll be taking an extended trip, be sure to pack the next pair of trays so that you’ll have them when it’s time to make a switch.

#6 – Remove Your Aligners Before Eating or Drinking

As a general rule, you should never eat with your aligner trays still inserted. Furthermore, the only liquid that’s okay to drink while wearing your clear trays is water. Before drinking anything else, you should remove the trays. Otherwise, you could be facing a break, stain or some other form of damage.

With Invisalign clear aligners, a set of correctly aligned teeth is just around the corner. By following the above guidelines, you can be sure to experience the smile bliss that you’ve always wanted in a healthy manner!

About the Author

Dr. CJ Stec is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Committed to excellence, he has taken several hours of continuing education throughout his career, with Invisalign being one of the focus areas. Dr. Stec helps his patients experience confidence by straightening their teeth with Invisalign at Stec & Stines Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.