Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic system that can straighten your teeth quickly and discretely! In fact, you’ll notice a significant difference in your smile within weeks, and no one will even notice you’re wearing them! However, in order to ensure you maintain your oral health throughout your orthodontic treatment, it is important that you take proper care of your aligners. Here are a few things you’ll want to do to make sure your Invisalign aligners stay in good shape.
1. Clean them thoroughly each morning and night.
In order to maintain your oral health, it is important to clean your trays thoroughly. Be sure to establish a routine of cleaning them in both the mornings and the evenings. This will help to remove bacteria from the aligners that could otherwise cause decay or even make you sick.
2. Soak your Invisalign aligners routinely.
Each day, you should soak your aligners using the Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner. Then, simply brush off your tray with a spare clean toothbrush (without toothpaste!) to remove any lingering plaque or food particles.
3. Always store them in your case.
If you’re leaving your house, be sure to bring the case with you. Each time you take out your aligners, they should be stored in your case. Otherwise, they could accumulate more bacteria that could be harmful to your oral health.
4. Rinse them each time you remove them.
Even when you’re out of the house, it is important to take good care of your aligners. Therefore, when you remove your aligners, take a quick second to rinse them off in the sink or drinking fountain. Ideally, you want to remove any plaque or excess saliva from the trays before putting them in your case.
5. When you take them out, brush and floss your teeth.
You want to make sure you remove all plaque and food debris from your teeth and gums before putting your aligners back on. Otherwise, you could potentially trap these particles on your teeth for a long period of time. This can cause cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health issues.
6. Always remove them before eating or drinking.
If you chew foods or drink beverages while wearing your aligners, you could ultimately damage them. You can also stain the trays and even make it easier for food particles to get stuck in between your teeth. Therefore, do not consume anything other than water while wearing your Invisalign aligners.
7. Do not clean them with toothpaste or soaps.
Remember: when you’re cleaning your Invisalign aligners, do not use soap or toothpaste to clean them. Not only can these ingredients make the trays appear duller—making them less “invisible”—but they can also be quite abrasive to the device.
Want to straighten your teeth with Invisalign? Call Manus Dental in Yorkville, Lake Zurich, or Hyde Park to schedule your consultation.