3 Ways to Keep Invisalign Aligners Clean

Thanks to innovations in orthodontics over the last few decades, traditional metal braces aren’t the only option you have available to you to get straight teeth. One excellent option for many patients is the Invisalign Clear Aligner System. This innovative orthodontic treatment can fix a wide range of orthodontic issues by using removable aligners that are completely clear. To get the best experience during your treatment, you’ll want to keep up with proper cleaning practices.

About Invisalign

Invisalign is an alternative to conventional braces made up of acrylic aligners. These plastic aligners fit over your teeth and apply pressure to provide orthodontic correction. Since they are completely clear, you can enjoy a clean and uncluttered smile while your teeth move to their correct positions. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about food restrictions because you take your aligners out during meals. You’ll get a new set of Invisalign aligners during each phase of the adjustment process, about every one to two weeks.

Remember to Take out Your Aligners for Meals and Drinks

The most basic step to take to keep your aligners clean is to remember to remove them any time you consume something other than cold water. Exposing the aligners to food, especially colorful sauces or acidic fruits, can cause them to stain. Even trickier is remembering to take your aligners out any time you have a cup of coffee, a glass of juice, or any other drink. Anything other than cold water has the potential to stain or warp your aligners.

Also, eating and drinking with your aligners in can increase the chances of bacteria building up between your aligners and teeth.

Clean Your Aligners After Every Time You Eat

Since the aligners cover the entire surface of your teeth, and they are inside a dark, moist environment in your mouth, they have the potential to grow bacteria over time. A good way to prevent bacterial growth is to brush your aligners every time you brush your teeth, which should be after every meal. Use toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your aligners and thoroughly clean them.

Soak Your Aligners

Brushing your Invisalign aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste is one step you can take to keep your aligners clean and avoid bacterial growth, but you also need to watch out for calcium buildup. Over time, you could notice some white spots developing on your aligners. These spots of calcium can start to alter the fit of your aligners, which could get in the way of your progress. To prevent this buildup or get rid of any existing buildup, soak your aligners in the morning or at night before rinsing them and putting them back in your mouth. For best results, use the tablets provided by Invisalign or designed for dentures and dissolve them in water. Do not soak them in mouthwash, since this can actually damage your aligners.

If you have questions about caring for your Invisalign aligners or want to know more about available treatment options, contact Dabney Orthodontics today!