Ensure a Successful Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. One of the key benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, making it easy to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.
However, it’s important to properly clean and care for your Invisalign clear aligners to ensure they stay clean, odor-free, and free of bacterial buildup. By following these tips from our Coral Springs, FL Invisalign provider, Dr. Maya Assi, you can help ensure a successful and comfortable treatment experience.
Learn more about how to effectively take care of your clear aligners by contacting our Coral Springs dental office at (954) 603-3508.
How to Clean Your Invisalign Aligners
Rinsing
Before you put your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth, Dr. Assi recommends rinsing them off thoroughly. Rinse them under cold water to remove any saliva or food particles that may be on them. You should also rinse your mouth out before putting them back in. This will help remove any bacteria or food particles that may be stuck in your teeth or gums.
Brushing
When it comes to brushing your Invisalign clear aligners, it’s essential to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. You don’t want to use anything too harsh that could scratch or damage them. Gently brush your aligners, just as you would with your teeth. Be sure to rinse them off thoroughly with cold water afterward.
Soak Your Aligners
In addition to rinsing and brushing, you can also use a cleaning solution to help keep your Invisalign aligners clean. Most dentists recommend using a clear, antibacterial soap with lukewarm water. Mix a small amount of soap with water and soak your aligners in the solution for around 15 minutes. Be sure to rinse them off thoroughly afterward to remove any leftover soap residue. Never use bleach or other hard chemicals to clean your aligners. These can damage the plastic and make it more visible.
Your Coral Springs Invisalign provider may also recommend using Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Dry Aligners Properly
When not in use, for example during meal times, keep the clear aligners in a case and let them air dry. Avoid using a cloth as it can leave lint or other particles behind on your aligners.
Aligner Inspection
Before reinserting, inspect your Invisalign clear aligners for any calcium or tartar buildup that can appear as a cloudy white film. If you see this, you may need a specialized product or help from your orthodontist to remove it.
Caring for Your Teeth
Good oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. When using Invisalign, it is essential to take extra care of your teeth to prevent cavities and other dental problems. To maintain excellent oral health during Invisalign treatment, do the following:
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent damaging your teeth and gums.
- Floss daily: Floss your teeth every day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. This will help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Use mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. This will help reduce the buildup of plaque and prevent bad breath.
Other Maintenance Guidelines
Here are some additional tips on Invisalign care that can help you get the most out of your treatment:
- Wear your Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours a day to ensure the best results. Unlike traditional braces, you can eat and drink what you’d like. Be sure to always remove your clean Invisalign trays before consuming food or drink. The only exception is water.
- Use a retainer case. When you remove your aligners, store them in a retainer case to prevent loss or damage.
- Use the right cleaning tools. Never use colored or scented soaps because they can discolor your aligners. You should also avoid toothpaste with whitening agents, as these can cause buildup and cloudiness on the aligners.
- Schedule regular checkups with Dr. Assi. Regular visits with our Invisalign provider are essential to monitor your progress and ensure that your treatment is on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean and maintain your Invisalign trays?
Invisalign care is easy and only takes a few minutes a day. Every morning, take your aligners out and clean them of any bacteria that may have gathered overnight. Any time you remove your aligners, rinsing them off can help to keep them clean.
Before you put your aligners back in, especially after eating, make sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. It’s important to avoid eating and drinking when you have your aligners in because they can become stained and damaged.
What can’t I drink and eat while wearing Invisalign?
You can eat and drink anything during the course of your Invisalign treatment. You’ll have to remove your aligners every time you eat because they can become damaged or stained, but there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign treatment.
Because you’ll have to remove your aligners and clean your teeth every time you eat, we recommend coming up with a meal plan to ensure you eat enough throughout the day.
Since Invisalign limits how often you can eat, a phenomenon known as “The Invisalign Diet” can occur. Cutting out the ability to snack throughout the day may lead to some weight loss.
How often should you clean your aligner trays?
Your aligners should be cleaned at least twice a day. These cleanings are best done at the same time you brush your teeth to prevent the spread of bacteria. To brush your aligners, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent scratching, but don’t use toothpaste because it can harm the aligners.
We also recommend rinsing your aligners with water every time you take them out. This cleans them off bacteria and any saliva on them, so your teeth are less likely to be negatively affected.
Can I use Listerine while wearing Invisalign?
No, it’s best not to use Listerine or any mouthwash while wearing Invisalign. We also recommend against soaking your aligners in mouthwash. While you may use mouthwash on your teeth, there are negative effects to using mouthwash on your aligners.
Many types of mouthwash contain dyes and scents that can be soaked into your aligners. This can permanently discolor them. If your mouthwash also contains alcohol, your aligners may become damaged.
If you’d like to soak your aligners in a way that won’t harm them, you can get specialized aligners cleaning crystals. These crystals won’t damage your aligners and make sure they’re squeaky clean.
Contact Our Coral Springs for Your Invisalign Treatment Plan
You deserve to have a comfortable, stress-free treatment process, and that starts with proper care for your Invisalign aligners. Don’t wait another day to take action. Contact our Coral Springs, FL dental office at (954) 603-3508 to learn more about caring for your Invisalign aligners and taking the first step toward the smile of your dreams.