Investing in Invisalign is a great way to begin changing the appearance of your smile without the need for bulky metal bands and brackets. However, because they are nearly invisible and not as fragile as traditional braces, it isn’t uncommon for patients to forget to care for them properly. While you might not think this is a problem, failing to care for your Invisalign can harm your investment in a straighter smile.
If you are about to embark on a journey toward a straighter smile and want to learn more about how to care for your Invisalign, keep reading.
1. Remove Them Before Eating
One essential step in caring for your Invisalign is remembering to remove them before you eat. While your aligners are strong enough to withstand talking, they may crack, chip, and break if you wear them while eating. Additionally, the plastic of your clear aligner is susceptible to staining, which can make it more visible than you are comfortable with. If you want to avoid this damage to the aligner, it’s best to remove them whenever you eat, even if it’s just a quick snack.
2. Soak Your Aligners Daily
An essential part of caring for your Invisalign includes soaking them in the appropriate cleaning solution every day. Like brushing your teeth in the morning and at night, cleaning your clear aligners is crucial in removing any tough bacteria, plaque, and food particles that may get stuck to the device and lead to cavity development or tooth decay. Not only will soaking your aligners keep them fresh, ensuring fresh breath and a healthy smile, but it will also help you prevent any possible staining.
3. Avoid Using Non-Approved Cleaning Solutions
When you clean your Invisalign, you might consider using whatever cleaning solution you have available. While this might be the less expensive option, it isn’t the best solution for protecting this investment. If you use an unverified cleaning solution for your aligners, it may stain the plastic. Also, soaps can leave a lingering taste, making it uncomfortable to wear your aligners as prescribed. Instead of using these unverified cleaning solutions, make sure to use Invisalign products to protect your aligners from damage.
4. Brush and Floss Your Teeth Before Wearing
Even if you weren’t worried about caring for your Invisalign, you would need to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. However, keeping your teeth clean while wearing your aligners is especially important. Once they’re on, your aligners trap bacteria, food particles, plaque, and tartar. Without cleaning your teeth before putting them on, you run the risk of developing cavities or gum disease. Failing to brush your teeth may also leave you with bad breath, making it important that you don’t forget to brush and floss regularly.
5. Store Them in The Provided Case
While it is recommended that you wear your Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours a day, there may be a few periods where you don’t wear them. If you take them out to eat or brush your teeth, don’t just set them down wherever you’d like. Instead, you should always keep them in the case your dental team provides. By storing your aligners in their case, you reduce your risk of losing them, keep them clean, and protect them from any potential damage.
6. Make It a Habit of Cleaning Them
As mentioned several times above, cleaning your Invisalign is essential to protect it from damage and staining. If you want to care for them appropriately, it is crucial that you get into a good habit of cleaning them whenever possible. Your trays should be cleaned at least once a day, but ideally, twice daily to ensure they are fresh when you put them in. By getting into the habit of cleaning your aligners, you can trust your teeth are always protected when you’re wearing them.
7. Rinse Them After Removal
Even if you are only removing your Invisalign for a few moments, it is still essential that you rinse them. When you remove your aligners, they should be rinsed with water to remove any remaining saliva. If left to dry, your saliva may cause a buildup on the trays. This buildup is responsible for plaque and bacteria festering on the trays, which is detrimental to your tooth health. If you want to ensure they are clean, remember to rinse them whenever they’re taken out.
Adjusting to Your Invisalign
If you are new to Invisalign, adjusting to these aligners might be difficult. However, there are a few things you can do to make adjusting to this orthodontic device much easier, including:
- Use dental wax if the device irritates the soft tissue in your mouth
- Rinse your mouth with a medicated mouthwash to treat any sores
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort
- Practice speaking aloud to reduce lisping with the device in
- Use a cold compress to reduce inflammation from your aligners
Helping You Through the Clear Aligner Process
When you’re ready to start the clear aligner process, it is crucial that you work with an expert dental team. With the help of an expert team, you can trust that you’re making the right choice for your smile. If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in the Salt Lake City area, turn to our team at Avenues Dentistry for support.
Since 1962, our team has provided reliable, compassionate, and comprehensive dental services to patients across the Wasatch Front. Whether you want to improve the aesthetics of your smile, address oral ailments, or schedule regular cleanings, we’re here to support you.
When you’re ready to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our team for support.
