The Do’s and Don’ts of Caring For Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that eliminates the need for cumbersome and uncomfortable metal braces. With these clear, smooth, plastic aligners, your teeth will be gently nudged into their ideal positions to improve your oral health and beautify your grin. However, in order for them to do this effectively, they’ll need to be regularly cleaned and sanitized. That way, no oral health problems will arise during your treatment. For some do’s and don’ts about caring for your Invisalign aligners, continue reading.

Routine Care for Invisalign Aligners

One benefit of Invisalign that attracts patients to the treatment is that the aligners are removable. That means that all you have to do to brush and floss is take them out of your mouth. However, it’s still important to keep them clean and clear so they can do their job and straighten your teeth. You won’t want germs and food particles transferring from your trays to your mouth, causing oral health issues. Here are some tips to protect your teeth from cavities, infection, and bacteria buildup while you’re undergoing treatment.

Do

• Each time you remove your aligners from your mouth to eat, drink, or just because, rinse them under cool water. This will prevent bacteria, saliva, and food debris from accumulating on them.
• To sanitize your trays, use a denture-soaking solution or special Invisalign cleaning crystals to soak your aligners for 15 to 30 minutes every day.
• Just because you clean your aligners frequently doesn’t mean that you don’t also need to clean your teeth. Brush and floss every day to keep oral health problems from developing due to plaque and tartar buildup.
• Before you put your aligners back in your mouth after you eat, use a clear, antibacterial soft soap to brush them. This will remove food debris and plaque.
• Your aligners are made from smooth plastic, meaning you’ll want to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean them so you don’t leave any marks or scratches.

Don’t

• While your aligners are sturdy and strong, they can still become damaged and stained. That’s why you should never eat or drink anything besides water with them in. It can cause them to smell, become damaged, and even increase your risk of developing oral health problems.
• There are some articles out there that may suggest cleaning your aligners with toothpaste is fine. The truth is, regular toothpaste is too abrasive and can damage or scratch them. It’s best to stick with clear soft-soap.
• You’ll also want to avoid using colored or scented soap to clean them because they can cause them to become tinted or stained.

If you have any questions about the best way to care for your Invisalign aligners, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They can provide you with recommendations on what brands of soaking solution to buy, and additional tips on how to keep your oral health in tip-top shape throughout the treatment.

About the Author

Dr. CJ Stec understands the impact that crooked and misaligned teeth can have on a patient’s self-esteem. He has taken multiple continuing education courses on dental implants and Invisalign and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. He enjoys helping patients achieve their dream smiles by providing them with lasting, individualized treatment plans. For questions or to schedule a consultation for Invisalign treatment, visit Stec Cosmetic & Family Dentistry’s website or call 308-382-4440.