One of the benefits of Invisalign aligners is that they are “clearly” less noticeable than traditional braces, but they’re only as invisible as you make them. That’s because if you neglect to clean them properly, they can start to look and feel dirty. Not only does this affect their appearance, but it can also cause bad breath and even cavities. Thankfully, caring for your aligners is easy. Here are some best practices to keep them looking shiny and new!
Remove Them for Meals
When you wear aligners, you absolutely must remove them whenever you eat or drink anything but water. Keep in mind that you should be wearing them for 22 hours a day, so be careful to not have them out for too long. Once you have finished your meal, snack, or beverage, be sure to brush your teeth so that you do not trap food particles between your teeth and your aligners. This can stain them and cause harm to your teeth and gums.
Rinse Them Off
Be sure to rinse off your aligners each time you remove them from your mouth and store them in a safe place until you are ready to put them back in again. They will come with a convenient storage case for you to use on the go so you don’t need to leave them sitting on a table or food tray. Be careful not to put them somewhere that could be easily lost or thrown away. Many an adult has a story of throwing away a retainer at lunch as a teenager. Clear aligners are even harder to see, so use caution if taking them out at school.
Soak Them Once a Day
In addition to rinsing your aligners, you should also be soaking them and cleaning them at least once a day, preferably in the morning. There are special soaks designed specifically for clear aligners or retainers that work well, or you can use plain water if you run out of soak. Do not use mouthwash, hot water, or denture soak, as these can all damage your aligners.
Furthermore, be sure to brush them once a day with a soft brush and toothpaste and rinse them well before putting them back in your mouth.
Clean Your Buttons
If you have buttons installed on your teeth to help guide your aligners, be sure to clean those well, too, as they can easily become discolored or stained.
Remember, caring for clear aligners is much easier than the maintenance required for traditional braces, but you still must follow these important instructions to keep your teeth and gums healthy during your treatment.
About Our Practice
Main Street Family Dental Danville serves patients of all ages, from baby’s first appointment all the way to adulthood. Our skilled team of dentists offers a variety of dental services under one convenient roof, from general exams to dental implants and Invisalign.
If you are interested in learning more about how Invisalign can improve your smile, schedule an appointment today by visiting our website, or call us at 925-575-8878.