Watching your smile transform with Invisalign can be exciting. But how do you keep up with cleaning your Invisalign aligners? And if you need a retainer after treatment, what’s the best way to take care of it? Similar to cleaning your teeth, it just takes a simple routine and some easy steps to keep your aligners and retainer looking – and smelling – fresh. Here’s what you need to know.
Wearing, Changing, and Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners
If you’re using Invisalign, then you know that you typically wear your aligners for a couple of weeks at a time before changing to a new set. A nice benefit is that you can take the aligners out when eating or drinking. Even so, food and bacteria can build up inside the aligners if your teeth and trays aren’t cleaned regularly.
If your aligners get dirty, this can result in problems like:
- Stained aligners, which do not look clear
- Odor and gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease)
- Tooth decay and cavities
The good news is that there are products to help you wash your aligners and keep them fresh both at home and on the go.
When and How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
Clean aligners start with clean teeth. Though it can take a little extra planning, try to remember to brush and floss your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back on (or if you can’t do this, then at least rinse your mouth out).
Additionally, it’s important to keep your aligners clean. This can be achieved with Invisalign products such as:
- Invisalign® Aligner Cleaning Spray for cleaning on the go. Just spray 1 to 2 pumps inside each aligner up to 4 times daily to kill 99% of bacteria.
- Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals for at-home cleaning. These crystals can be dropped into warm water, where you can soak your aligners to help keep them odor-free, hygienic and clear. Invisalign Cleaning Crystals can also be used to clean your retainer, which may be recommended to keep your teeth from shifting after your Invisalign treatment is complete. To purchase crystals go to invisalign.com aligner cleaners.
While cleaning with Invisalign products is recommended, you can also brush your aligners or retainer with a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste and rinse them with lukewarm water. Just be sure to never use hot water on your aligners, as this can permanently warp them.
More Dos and Don’ts for Taking Care of Your Aligners
To help you keep your aligners clean and looking their best, here are a few more tips:
- If you accidentally drop your aligners in the garbage or someplace else that is unsanitary, use the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals to clean them before putting them back in your mouth.
- When you take your aligners out to eat or drink, rinse them off and store them in a clean container. Do not set them down on tables or other stray surfaces, as this can expose them to bacteria.
- Don’t put your aligners back on if you have food residue on your teeth, such as blueberries or tomato sauce. Otherwise, your aligners may become stained. Be sure to clean your teeth and your aligners first before putting them back on.
Learn More About Invisalign at Dental Partners of Vero Beach
At Dental Partners of Vero Beach, we understand how important it is to get professional care and feel good about your smile. The office at Dental Partners of Vero Beach is here to support you every step of the way throughout your Invisalign treatment. If you would like to learn more about Invisalign and how to manage care and cleaning, call Dental Partners of Vero Beach today at (772) 569-4118.