Were you drawn to Invisalign because of how discreet the aligners are? You’re not alone; more than 12 million patients have opted for this metal-free orthodontic treatment! Of course, keeping your teeth-straightening journey virtually undetectable does require a bit of work on your end. With this in mind, keep reading to learn how to take care of your Invisalign aligners!
1. Rinse Your Aligners Each Time You Take Them Off
It’s very easy for saliva, plaque, and the like to end up on your aligners. That’s why it’s so important that you rinse them with water each time you take them off. Just make sure to check the temperature first; if the water is too hot, it can cause your trays to warp.
2. Brush and Floss Your Teeth After Each Meal
Simply put, if you eat a meal and put your aligners on immediately after, your teeth will decay, and your trays will stain. So, make sure that you brush and floss after each meal and snack! If you usually eat lunch at the office or go out to eat, then keep some travel-sized oral hygiene essentials on-hand, so completing your dental care regimen on-the-go isn’t a hassle.
3. Thoroughly Clean Your Aligners Each Morning and Night
When completing your oral hygiene regimen in the morning and at night, set aside some time to clean your aligners. Simply wet them with clean, cool water, and then use a soft-bristled toothbrush and some mild dishwashing liquid to clean every surface. Make sure that you don’t use any other household cleaners though, like bleach.
4. Use Your Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Your Invisalign welcome kit will come with a few packets of cleaning crystals. These are little tablets that give your aligners a deeper clean when soaked in slightly warm water. Usually, soaking them for 15 minutes does the trick. If you need to soak them for longer, then consider doing so while you’re eating. That way, you’re cutting down on the amount of time your trays aren’t in your mouth.
5. Store Your Aligners Properly
One of the most common ways Invisalign aligners get damaged, lost, or dirty is because patients leave them out on the counter or wrapped in a napkin while they are eating. So, get in the habit of putting them in their designated case instead – whether you’re at a restaurant or enjoying a meal at home.
About the Practice
Our top-rated team at University Dental Group has been helping patients in Worcester smile for years now, and we’d love to help you on your journey to your healthiest, happiest grin too! If your teeth aren’t aligned properly, then take the next step and schedule a consultation with us via our website or by phone at (508) 753-1911. That way, we can learn all about your dental history, needs, and goals before creating your custom treatment plan.