Caring for Invisalign requires diligence, responsibility, and commitment. Although not hard to master once you understand how to do it, you must be careful not to accidentally warp your aligners or lose them. This type of orthodontic treatment comes with a much greater sense of accountability, which is why your orthodontist is here to provide four tips to help you take proper care of your clear braces and ultimately see amazing results.
Avoid Abrasive Cleansers
You might assume that toothpaste is fine to use to clean your aligners; however, this is far from the truth. The reality is that anything other than clear liquid soap can scratch and/or stain your braces. Denture cleaners, mouthwash, scented or colored soap, and toothpaste are all potentially damaging solutions that will cause you to seek replacement aligners. Although helpful in removing bad bacteria and keeping your teeth clean, it’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear soap to keep your trays free of plaque and dried saliva.
Remove Your Aligners Before Eating or Drinking
Invisalign aligners are strong but not indestructible. Too much pressure can cause them to break or wear down quickly. This is why your orthodontist advises you to remove your trays before eating and/or drinking. Unless you are consuming water, you should always take out your aligners. Bad bacteria and food particles can accumulate and damage your trays, and dark-colored beverages can stain your clear braces, causing them to be more visible to others.
Keep a Protective Case Nearby
Whether you’re sitting down to eat at home or going out with friends, make sure to keep a protective case with you at all times. It’s too easy to accidentally lay your aligners down and forget or lose them. Placing them in a napkin will only increase your chances of accidentally throwing them away. By placing them in your protective case, you will not only keep them safe from potential damage but also reduce airborne particles that might land on your aligners and eventually transfer into your mouth.
Always Rinse Your Trays Before Reinserting Them
Anytime you finish eating or take your trays out for any other reason, you’ll need to make sure you rinse them before reinserting them into your mouth. Tiny particles can exist on the trays and easily latch onto your regular tooth enamel if not properly rinsed. Depending on your oral hygiene habits, this plaque and bacterial build-up can weaken your teeth and cause tooth decay and cavities to form. The best solution is to brush your teeth and thoroughly rinse your trays each time you take them out.
These are just a few of the many ways you can maintain your clear aligners. When cleaning Invisalign trays, always make sure to handle them with extreme care. Because of the effectiveness and efficiency of this orthodontic solution, you’ll want to ensure your aligners remain healthy to keep moving your teeth in the right direction.
About the Author
Dr. Tamara Jones is a trusted orthodontist in Richardson. Attending Baylor College of Dentistry – Texas A&M Health Science Center, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery. She then went on to pursue orthodontics as her specialty at The University of Texas at Houston, earning her master’s degree and certificate in orthodontics. Helping patients of all ages achieve healthier, straighter smiles, she and her team at Richardson Orthodontics are devoted to providing effective tips to better maintain clear braces. Contact us via the website or call (972) 238-7101 to schedule a free consultation and learn what you need to do to take better care of your Invisalign.