Ensure a Successful Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is a top choice for orthodontic treatment, offering a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. Since the aligners are removable, they make maintaining oral hygiene much easier compared to traditional braces.
However, proper care is crucial to keep them clean, clear, and free of bacteria. Follow these essential Invisalign care tips from our Wilmington and Seaford, DE, Invisalign providers for a smooth, successful treatment.
Call our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 today.
How to Clean Your Invisalign Aligners
Rinse Aligners Regularly
After each time you remove your Invisalign trays, rinse them thoroughly with cool water. This helps remove saliva, bacteria, and food particles. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic, rendering them ineffective. Rinsing also reduces bacterial buildup that can lead to bad breath or dental issues.
Clean Your Aligners Twice Daily
Just like brushing your teeth, you should clean your aligners morning and night. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, non-abrasive soap to clean them thoroughly. Be cautious about using regular toothpaste, as it may contain abrasives that could scratch the aligners, making them more visible.
Soak Aligners for a Deep Clean
For an even deeper clean, soak your aligners using Invisalign cleaning crystals or a gentle, antibacterial cleaning solution. Soak them for 15-20 minutes, which helps prevent calcium or tartar buildup that can make your trays look cloudy.
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.
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’s 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 and tricks 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. Just 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 Drs. Brown and Baran. Regular visits with our Invisalign provider are essential to monitor your progress and ensure your treatment is on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it may be tempting to use mouthwash to clean your trays, it’s strongly recommended that you don’t. Many types of mouthwash contain alcohol, which can cause the plastic to become brittle and crack or break, rendering them useless. Mouthwash can also create small cracks in the aligners, making it easier for bacteria and other harmful substances to build up.
You should clean your aligners at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. However, it’s best to rinse them off whenever you take them out to eat or drink anything besides water. Taking these steps will help remove any food particles or bacteria that may be on the aligners.
Yes, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your aligners. Be sure to use non-abrasive toothpaste and rinse them off thoroughly afterward. It’s also important to be gentle when brushing your aligners, as brushing them too hard can scratch or damage the plastic. Be sure to use a light touch and gentle circular motions to help remove any buildup.
No, it’s not recommended to use hot water to clean your aligners. Hot water can warp the aligners’ plastic, causing them not to fit properly. This can not only make your treatment less effective but can also be uncomfortable to wear. Instead, stick to rinsing with cold water or lukewarm water when using a cleaning solution to help keep your aligners clean.
Visit Our Wilmington or Seaford Offices for Expert Invisalign Care
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.
To learn more or schedule your consultation, call our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589. We proudly serve new and returning patients throughout Delaware and its surrounding areas.
