5 Essentials of Caring For Your Invisalign

Posted on June 26, 2024

Invisalign aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering a clear, comfortable, and convenient alternative to traditional braces. However, to ensure their effectiveness and maintain your oral health, proper care is essential. This blog will outline the five key practices for caring for your Invisalign aligners, ensuring you achieve the best results from your treatment.

1. Clean Your Aligners Regularly

Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is crucial to prevent the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and food particles, which can lead to tooth decay and bad breath. Follow these steps to keep your aligners clean:

Rinse with Lukewarm Water: Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water every time you remove them. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, non-abrasive soap to gently brush your aligners. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and scratch the aligners.
Soak Daily: Soak your aligners in a cleaning solution designed for Invisalign, or in a mixture of water and Invisalign cleaning crystals, to thoroughly clean and disinfect them.

2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential when using Invisalign to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Here are some tips:

Brush and Floss After Every Meal: Before reinserting your aligners, brush and floss your teeth to remove any food particles and plaque. This prevents bacteria from being trapped between your teeth and the aligners.
Use Mouthwash: Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

3. Handle Your Aligners with Care

Invisalign aligners are durable but can still be damaged if not handled properly. To avoid damage:

Remove Aligners Properly: Use both hands to gently remove your aligners, starting from one side and working your way around. Avoid using your fingernails, as this can cause cracks or distortions.
Store in a Case: Always store your aligners in their protective case when not in use. This prevents loss, damage, and exposure to bacteria.

4. Monitor Your Diet

What you eat and drink can affect your Invisalign treatment and oral health. Follow these guidelines to ensure your aligners and teeth stay in optimal condition:

Avoid Eating with Aligners In: Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with them in can cause staining, warping, and buildup of food particles.
Limit Staining Beverages: Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda can stain your aligners. If you do consume them, brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners.

5. Follow Your Treatment Plan

Adhering to your orthodontist’s instructions is critical for the success of your Invisalign treatment. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Wear Aligners for the Recommended Time: Typically, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Only remove them for eating, drinking, and cleaning.
Switch Aligners as Directed: Follow the schedule provided by your orthodontist for switching to the next set of aligners. This ensures your teeth move according to the treatment plan.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your Invisalign aligners properly is essential to achieving the best results from your orthodontic treatment. By following these five essentials—cleaning your aligners regularly, maintaining good oral hygiene, handling your aligners with care, monitoring your diet, and adhering to your treatment plan—you can ensure a smooth and effective Invisalign experience.

At Nevada Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. For personalized advice and support throughout your Invisalign journey, contact us at 702.802.0035. Our team is here to provide the highest quality orthodontic care for you and your family.