Congratulations on choosing Invisalign aligners to straighten your teeth and achieve a stunning smile! To ensure the success of your treatment and keep your aligners clean and sturdy, it’s crucial to maintain a proper care routine.
So how can you best care for your Invisalign trays to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy and your orthodontic treatment stays on track? Here, we explore some essential tips for caring for your Invisalign aligners.
Cleanliness Is Key
Keeping your aligners clean is important for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing bacterial buildup in the aligners.
Since you’ll be wearing your aligners for about 20-22 hours every day, there’s a lot of time for plaque and bacteria to accumulate in your trays—not something you want!
To keep your aligners clean and prevent discoloration, gently brush them morning and night [1]. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Or, you can use Invisalign cleaning crystals, following the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleansing, rinse the aligners thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth. Then enjoy a fresh smile while wearing your trays!
Avoid Stain-Causing Drinks and Cleaning Products
To maintain the transparency of your aligners and keep them looking invisible in your mouth, it’s essential to avoid stain-causing substances. These include dark-colored drinks, tobacco, and even toothpastes, soaps, or mouth rinses that contain dyes, as these can easily stain your trays.
While wearing Invisalign aligners, avoid drinking colored beverages, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, which can stain the aligners [2]. If you consume any of these substances, make sure to remove your aligners, rinse them thoroughly, and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Ideally, the only substance you should drink when you have your aligners in is water, and you should clean your aligners using clear soap. Remember to remove your aligners before eating!
Handle with Care
Treat your Invisalign aligners gently to prevent damage. Avoid bending or twisting them, and never use harsh cleaning agents, as these may cause scratches or discoloration. These include abrasive toothpaste and even toothbrushes with stiff bristles.
When removing your aligners, use even pressure on both sides, starting from the back. This will help prevent distortion and ensure a proper fit. It’s also important to properly store your aligners when they are not use, such as when eating.
It’s best to use a designated case to store your aligners when they're not in your mouth—this will protect them from damage and reduce the risk of losing them. If you lose or break a tray, be sure to let your orthodontist know as soon as possible [3].
Take the Best Care of Your Aligners
Proper care of your Invisalign aligners is crucial for maintaining oral hygiene, achieving successful treatment, and enjoying a beautiful smile. By following these tips, you can protect your aligners and keep your treatment on track.
Remember to consult your orthodontist if you have any specific concerns or questions. Stick to your care routine, and soon enough, you’ll achieve the straight, confident smile you’ve always wanted!
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8871989/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5168413/
3. https://www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions
