Having a beautifully straight set of pearly whites is beneficial in many ways. It boosts your confidence, which can help your career and connect with others. An aligned smile also helps your oral health by making it easier to get to clean your teeth and get rid of the plaque that leads to cavities. No matter your reason, Invisalign has made it possible to straighten your teeth in a discreet and comfortable way. However, the clear aligners do need to be taken care of to remain undetectable. Read on for five helpful tips on keeping your Invisalign trays in their best condition as you journey toward your new grin!
#1. Clean Your Aligners Regularly
One of the amazing features of Invisalign is being able to move your teeth into their desired position without the obvious metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. However, to keep your smile clear while wearing your aligners, it is important to regularly clean them. This will help prevent them from looking cloudy, as well as forming an odor. Additionally, bacteria can build up on the trays when you wear them for the required time. Scrub them gently with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste in the morning when you wake up and in the evening before bedtime.
#2. Always Remove Your Aligners Before Eating or Drinking
One of the major bonuses of Invisalign treatment is that there are no dietary restrictions! However, it is essential to always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything that’s not water. Failing to do so could accidentally damage or stain them, as well as cause food particles to get in stuck in them.
#3. Store Your Aligners Properly When Not in Use
Whenever you remove your aligners, you should be mindful to always store them in their designated case. If you are careless with where you place them, they’re more likely to get lost or damaged. This could delay your treatment plan…which means more time until your picture-perfect smile arrives!
#4. Clean Your Teeth Before Putting Your Trays Back In
Brushing and flossing your teeth is essential before placing your aligners back in your mouth. It will remove any leftover food debris, as well as any bad bacteria. If left on your teeth and gums, you put yourself at risk of dental issues like cavities, decay, and gingivitis.
#5. Soak Your Aligners Once a Day
In addition to regularly cleaning your aligners, it’s wise to also soak them at least once a day. Here’s an easy-to-follow process:
- Drop denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals into a cup of lukewarm water
- Soak your trays for at least 15 minutes
- After soaking, gently brush them with a toothbrush to remove any remaining food or plaque
- Give them a quick rinse before slipping them back into your mouth
Invisalign is a wonderful orthodontic treatment that allows you to align your smile discreetly and easily. By caring for your aligners, you can get the most out of your treatment and ensure the best Invisalign experience.
About the Author
Dr. Travis Rottman and his team at Sachse Family Dentistry at Woodridge are eager to help keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come! He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry. He offers a full range of services, including orthodontics like Invisalign. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (972) 848-0073.