Summary
Have you recently embarked on a teeth-straightening journey?
If yes, your dentist might have suggested Invisalign to fix your smile. Clear braces are a great option to restore your smile without having to undergo the pain of wearing metal braces. However, like other appliances, Invisalign also has a 4% chance of failure if not adequately cared for. Proper cleaning and caring for your aligners promise the best possible results.
In this blog, we take a closer look at how to care for your aligners via topics like:
- The Basics of Invisalign for A Great Smile
- 7 Tips to Care for Your Aligners
- Cleaning vs. Rinsing Your Aligners
- Cleaners to Avoid While Cleaning Aligners
- How Often Should You Clean Your Aligners?
So continue reading as we learn more about how to care for your aligners in the following sections.
The Basics of Invisalign for A Great Smile
Moving on from the basics, let’s look at how Invisalign works. The procedure begins with your Cherokee family dental expert laying out a plan for straighter teeth, which employs modern 3D computer imaging technologies.
You will receive a set of custom-made aligners that are practically invisible plastic trays.
You wear each pair of aligners for around two weeks before progressing to the next set in the series. Your teeth gradually migrate into position over time. You must leave them in for at least 22 hours daily, only removing them to eat, brush, and floss.
You get closer to having the perfect grin with each new aligner.
3 Stages of Cleaning Your Aligners
Your aligners require frequent cleaning to avoid bacteria buildup and foul breath. Here’s how to create a sparkling clean routine:
- Brushing Basics: It is an excellent practice to brush your aligners twice daily with your usual brushing technique. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water.
Avoid using strong toothpaste or abrasive cleansers, as they might harm the surface of the aligners. Soft, transparent liquid soap is an excellent choice. Brush the aligners’ inner and outer surfaces with moderate circular strokes.
- The Power of Soaking: Consider soaking your aligners once a day to add an extra layer of cleanliness. Invisalign cleaning solutions and retainer cleaning tablets are widely available and made particularly for this purpose.
Soak for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer. Avoid denture cleansers or mouthwash, as these might discolor or harm the aligners.
- Rinse and Repeat: After brushing or soaking, thoroughly rinse your aligners with lukewarm, clean water to eliminate the remaining cleaning solution.
7 Tips to Care for Your Aligners
1. Get into the habit of cleaning your aligners regularly
Dentists for Invisalign in Jacksonville recommend cleaning your trays often and establishing a morning and nighttime routine for brushing your teeth.
Using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, carefully clean both of your aligners. This will help remove microorganisms that may harm your teeth or impact your overall health.
2. Avoid using abrasive materials when cleaning your aligners
You should not scrape your aligners with soap, denture cleanser, or mouthwash. These components can be abrasive to the gadget, making it seem duller and less “invisible,” thus it will be easily recognizable when you wear it.
3. When you remove your aligners, make sure you rinse them
Rinsing your aligners will help eliminate any remaining saliva and plaque before placing them in their case.
Clean them off even while you’re not home to prevent the formation of bacteria! Simply find a drinking fountain or sink before taking them out.
4. Soak your Invisalign aligners daily
All you have to do is place the Invisalign cleaning crystals in a little cup of warm water and allow them to soak for half an hour. When you’re finished, use a toothbrush to clean your tray, and you’re done!
5. Do not eat with your aligners in
One of Invisalign’s best features is the ability to remove them at your convenience! Taking them off before eating or drinking is crucial to prevent accidental harm or stains. Water is the only food or drink you can have while wearing aligners.
6. Make sure you brush and floss whenever you remove your Invisalign
If food or plaque debris becomes lodged in your teeth or gums while wearing your aligners, it may remain there for an extended time!
This can harm your dental health since it promotes cavities and gingivitis. Simply clean and floss your teeth before wearing your Invisalign.
7. Store your Invisalign aligners in their case
Always try to keep your aligners in their case. Whether you’re taking them out for dinner or simply brushing your teeth, they should not be kept anywhere but only inside the case!
Otherwise, you risk harming your aligners or mistakenly discarding them. To keep them secure, always have your case with you.
Cleaning vs. Rinsing Your Aligners
When it comes to Invisalign, washing and rinsing are not the same. Rinsing your aligners may make them look cleaner, but you still need to address the hidden germs that can accumulate.
The following is the primary cleansing procedure stated on the Invisalign website for nighttime cleaning:
- Each night, rinse your aligners with water.
- Brush your aligners using a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the one you use to brush your teeth daily).
- Pair your oral regimen with a mild, clear liquid soap to remove any dirt or food particles collected over the day.
- Rinse well after brushing.
- When not in use, store them in a secure case.
Cleaners to Avoid While Cleaning Aligners
Some cleaners are just too strong or harmful to use on Invisalign aligners. Examples of these are:
- Dental cleaners
- Mouthwashes, particularly the ones with alcohol
- Scented soaps may soon begin to taste harsh.
- Toothpaste
You should also avoid washing soaps with colors (such as red, green, or blue). These can easily discolor your Invisalign, resulting in an extended two-week wearing period.
Using a coarse-bristle brush rather than a soft-bristle toothbrush may also have adverse effects on your Invisalign aligners.
How Often Should You Clean Your Aligners?
You should clean your aligners every night, generally when brushing and flossing your teeth. This helps eliminate food, dirt, and bacteria accumulated over the day.
You may also clean your Invisalign if they get dirty, say if you accidentally drank something while wearing them or put them on too fast after eating.
In addition to more intensive cleaning procedures, you should rinse your aligners whenever you remove them.
Takeaway
- Some cleaners are just too strong or harmful to use on Invisalign aligners.
- You should not scrape your aligners with soap, denture cleanser, or mouthwash.
- Using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, carefully clean both of your aligners. This will help remove microorganisms that may harm your teeth or affect your overall health.
- Still confused about the possibilities of an aligner? Connect with our experts at Cherokee Dental Professionals today!