Cleaning and Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Braces are a staple of orthodontic treatment, yet more and more adults and teens here in Troy, MI are turning to Invisalign®. This invisible alternative to traditional braces uses clear plastic aligner trays to gradually shift the position of the teeth The trays can be removed and cleaned with ease, allowing patients to eat their favorite foods and not experience serious interruptions to daily life.
Good oral hygiene and dental care is a key to Invisalign success. Dr. Craig P. Goldin and his team would like to consider some basics about Invisalign cleaning and care. This will help you understand the nature of the treatment.
Why Proper Aligner Care Matters
There are two key reasons why proper oral hygiene and care of Invisalign aligners is so crucial:
- Keeps Your Aligners Clean and Effective - Proper cleaning and care of your aligners helps ensure that the aligners are free from stains and that they hold their shape. If you don’t clean or properly care for your Invisalign aligners, it can lead to less effective treatment and visible discoloration of the aligner trays.
- Prevents Tooth Decay and Gum Disease - Since you wear Invisalign aligners for 22 hours a day, proper cleaning removes food particles from the aligners. This prevents tooth decay and gum disease, and it can also keep your breath fresh.
How to Clean Invisalign Aligners
Cleaning Invisalign aligner trays is simple.
Remove your aligners first. With the aligners out, you can either clean them with proprietary Invisalign products or simply use a toothbrush and toothpaste. If you’re using a toothbrush, be sure that it has soft bristles to avoid scuffing or scratching the aligner tray.
When you’re finished brushing your aligner, give it a thorough rinse before putting it back on.
How Often Should Invisalign Aligners Be Cleaned?
Patients should brush and clean off their Invisalign aligners at least once a night, though they’re encouraged to do so more if needed. Between meals, we feel that our Troy patients should always at least rinse their Invisalign aligner before putting it back on.
Oral Hygiene After Meals
Always take out your Invisalign aligners when you eat or drink.
After a meal, be sure to brush your teeth and floss before putting your Invisalign aligner back on. Again, you want to remove all potential sources of tooth decay and gum disease.
If you’re just having a beverage, be sure to at least rise your mouth out with water before your Invisalign tray goes back on.
Can I Drink with Invisalign Aligners?
Patients are allowed to drink cold, clean water with their aligner trays on.
The tray should not be worn when having warm beverages, hot beverages, and any other liquids that are not water. Warm and hot beverages can alter the shape of an Invisalign tray. Soda, juice, and other liquids can stain the aligner tray or get trapped under it and increase your risk of tooth decay.
How Long Invisalign Aligners Are Worn?
Each Invisalign aligner tray is worn for two weeks at a time. Patients can then move on to the next aligner tray in the sequence to gradually improve tooth alignment.
Periodic checkups are scheduled to ensure that the treatment is progressing properly and there are no serious side effects or dental health issues that arise.
Learn More About Invisalign
For more information about Invisalign and why it may be right for you, be sure to contact a skilled dentist. The team at the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute can be reached in Troy by phone at (248) 270-8689.