How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners

One of the benefits of Invisalign is in its name – invisible. However, in order to keep your aligners looking fresh and discreet, you will need to take the proper care of them. Otherwise, your aligners can discolor, become full of plaque and, worst of all, can even start to smell.

How to Care for Invisalign

Unlike braces, you are able to take your aligners out of your mouth when you eat and drink, but they still get dirty. Here’s how you can care for your aligners and keep them, and your mouth, in tiptop shape:

• Rinse them with water every time you remove them
• Gently brush them with a toothbrush every morning/night
• Soak regularly with Invisalign cleaning crystals
• Brush and floss your teeth to prevent plaque buildup underneath your aligners

What Not to Do with Invisalign

Now that you know how to care for Invisalign aligners, there are some misconceptions that many have when it comes to caring for Invisalign. Here’s what you shouldn’t do with your aligners:

• Don’t brush them with toothpaste. Only brush your aligners with water or Clear Anti-Bacterial Soft Soap; toothpaste is too abrasive.
• Don’t keep your aligners in when you’re eating or drinking. This is a recipe for stains and bad smells. It’s okay to drink water.
• Don’t leave your aligners out in the open. Doing so exposes them to more bacteria that can harm you and the trays. Always place your aligners in their case.

Foods to Avoid

While you should always take your aligners out when you eat or drink, you should also be conscious of what you’re consuming.  Below is a list of foods to avoid during your treatment.

• You can have your cup of coffee in the morning, but you shouldn’t sip it throughout the day. Drinking coffee with your aligners in will cause stains and constantly taking them out to drink will take away from the 20-22 hours a day you’re supposed to wear them.
• Hard foods strong enough to push your teeth out of place, i.e. uncooked carrots, jawbreakers, etc.
• Sticky foods like gum and caramel. These foods promote plaque and have the potential to pull at aligners and potentially break them.

Recommendations from Invisalign

• Wear your Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours a day for best results.
• Keep brushing and flossing as you normally do.
• Rinse your aligners every night and brush them gently with your toothbrush (but without toothpaste) to keep them fresh and clean.

Conclusion

If you’re going the route of Invisalign, it is critical you take proper care of your aligners. Well taken care of aligners equal healthy, straight teeth for years to come. If you’re interested in Invisalign, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Berkman, Dr. Shapiro or Dr. Shoukri today to start the process.