When it launched, Invisalign changed the trajectory of orthodontic treatment. These clear, custom-made aligners gave us a more discreet solution to get the perfect smile. Over 15.7 million Americans have used Invisalign to transform their smiles.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the best results come from proper maintenance. Cleaning Invisalign trays will help you preserve their transparency and your oral health. This guide covers the do’s and dont’s of Invisalign care.
Read on to find out more!
DO Wash Your Trays and Brush Your Teeth
Did you know that bacteria accumulate in your saliva during sleep? Morning breath is common and nothing to feel ashamed about. This develops from odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth.
If you wear Invisalign in your sleep, there is a high chance of bacteria building up in the material. To prevent it from happening, do your oral morning routine as soon as you wake up. After removing your Invisalign trays, rinse them to remove saliva and food particles.
It’s also best to rinse your mouth before reinserting your trays.
DON’T Use Toothpaste
Invisalign trays consist of materials like polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate glycol. They carry excellent mechanical and optical properties that ensure the quality of the material. Despite their quality, these materials are sensitive to abrasive products like toothpaste.
Most toothpastes contain hard particles that can scratch and damage the surface of your trays. When this happens, your trays become more susceptible to odor and staining.
Can you clean Invisalign with mouthwash? Although it may seem like a good idea for disinfection, mouthwash can damage your aligners. It can also leave an unpleasant taste when you wear your trays after.
Using clear, unscented, mild soaps on your Invisalign trays is best. They can remove the bacteria, residues, and stains without damaging the material.
DO Brush Your Aligners Twice a Day
Like your teeth, aligners need regular cleaning. This prevents bacteria build-up and discoloration of the material.
Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented soap. Ensure you get the toothbrush in all corners to eliminate the bacteria. Keep in mind not to put too much pressure on the material to prevent scratching it.
To preserve your Invisalign trays, clean them twice a day. Doing so can maintain their transparency and keep them bacteria-free.
There are specific products for cleaning Invisalign available in the market. If you are unsure what to buy you can ask your dentist for recommendations.
DON’T Use Hot Water
Apart from scented soaps, aligner trays are sensitive to hot water. Rinsing your Invisalign with boiling water can warp the material.
To rinse and wash your Invisalign trays, use lukewarm water. It is warm enough to remove bacteria, residue, and stains and will keep your aligners in good condition.
DO Use a Denture Cleaner
The best way to clean Invisalign is by soaking it in a denture cleaner. This cleanser can remove bacteria, residue, and stains and may come in a liquid or tablet form. Denture cleaners are effective at removing stains from colored foods.
Among the products for cleaning Invisalign, a denture cleaner is the most effective. However, some products can corrode the material. To avoid damaging your trays, consult your dentist.
If you use Invisalign, it is very important to ensure the cleaning products receive expert approval. It is also important to store your aligners in a case if you’re not wearing them. Ensure the case is clean and dry to prevent bacterial growth.
DON’T Eat or Drink With the Trays In
One of the rules in using Invisalign is to never wear it when eating or drinking. Consuming food and drinks can cause particles to get stuck in the aligners. This allows bacteria to build up, which can lead to stains and damage.
Moreover, Invisalign trays cannot support the pressure of eating. Biting hard on it can break and crack the material, leaving you with damaged aligners. Therefore, it is very important to never forget to remove your Invisalign before eating or drinking.
The only thing you can consume with your aligners on is water. Remember to remove your aligners while consuming any other food or drink.
DO Replace Your Aligner Trays Regularly
Invisalign helps you attain the perfect smile by adjusting your tooth placement over time, similar to traditional braces. Your dentist creates your trays with computer-generated images and compositions.
Depending on your treatment plan, you can wear aligners for over a year. You are subject to changing your trays once every two weeks. To see results, follow the instructions of your orthodontics about replacing your trays.
DON’T Leave Your Trays in the Open
When you remove your Invisalign to eat, drink, or rest, avoid leaving them exposed to air. Leaving them out in the open can result in the trays drying out and becoming discolored. Instead, store them in a case to preserve their clarity and condition. Keeping them in a case will also keep them safe and will ensure you will not lose them either.
DO Seek Professional Guidance
Are you running out of solutions for cleaning Invisalign trays? Some may experience discoloration and damage to the material despite cleaning them regularly. Consult your orthodontist if you encounter persistent stains or other issues.
Your doctor can provide recommendations on products for cleaning your Invisalign trays. Make sure you attend your periodic check-ups to ensure it works. If you feel discomfort with your trays, never attempt to adjust them yourself.
If you have any concerns, it’s best to seek professional guidance. Doing so prevents new problems from developing and helps to solve issues effectively.
DON’T Neglect Your Oral Hygiene
Having good oral hygiene is crucial when you use Invisalign. Forgetting to clean your teeth, gums, and tongue allows dental issues to develop. Remember, letting bacteria and residue live in your mouth builds up plaque.
Moreover, they can cause the discoloration of your clear aligners. Observe proper oral hygiene, and don’t forget to floss.
Cleaning Invisalign Trays: What Do You Need to Know?
Invisalign offers an excellent way to straighten teeth. However, their effectiveness relies on proper cleaning and maintenance. We hope this guide helped you understand the proper methods for cleaning Invisalign trays.
Are you looking for a reliable aligner treatment? Wardlaw Orthodontics has been helping patients achieve beautiful smiles around Little Rock and Conway, AZ. Start your treatment with us today!