People love Invisalign, and you’re no exception. It’s great that they pave the way for a straighter smile, but honestly? Your favorite part is how clear the trays are. This certainly makes it easier to enjoy photos and greet others confidently.
We love that for you, but you should know that if you don’t care for them properly, your Invisalign trays will stain. Keep reading to learn how to avoid the wrong kind of attention.
Clean Your Trays When You Brush
The best way to maintain crystal-clear aligners is to clean them and clean them often! You should give them a scrub like you do your teeth – assuming you follow the recommended “brush twice a day, floss once per day” rule.
For the best results, avoid abrasive and colored products that can mar the surface of your aligners. Mouthwashes can also be problematic, while hot water risks distorting the plastic. In the case of Invisalign, it’s best to stick to what’s plain and basic.
Clean Your Trays When You Eat
You should not be eating or drinking while wearing your Invisalign! This means you’re taking them out and reinserting them before and after meals or snacks. Every time you do this, you expose your trays to the elements, and introduce them to the new food particles clinging to your teeth.
Cleaning your aligners whenever you remove and reinsert them minimizes harmful and unsightly bacteria build up. Cleaning your teeth after treating yourself prevents debris from permanently transferring to the trays. So make sure you brush and floss thoroughly!
Let Your Aligners Take a Dip
In addition to keeping your Invisalign and pearly whites squeaky clean, you should let them soak for an hour or two. Invisalign cleaning crystals create an effective mixture that will promote pristine aligners. Plus, they make plaque easier to brush off, so they’ll help make your hygiene routine easier.
Actually Use Your Invisalign Case
Remember how removing your trays exposes them to bacteria? Imagine what leaving them out without protection would do! Anytime your trays aren’t in use, they should be in their case. This will also spare them from accidents, such as a furry friend getting a little too curious or a toddler thinking they’ve found a new toy.
Rinse and Repeat for Travel
If you’re going away for an extended trip, this can complicate your Invisalign care. However, that doesn’t mean you can skip out on maintenance! You should still be following all of these guidelines. It will just take some meticulous planning to make sure you have everything you need.
Since this can be a lot to remember, especially if you’re new to the Invisalign process, it’s a good idea to stay in touch with your dentist. They’ll be happy to give you a refresher and can offer more personalized tips. Maintaining crystal-clear Invisalign trays takes some dedication, but you’ll get used to the routine. The work is well worth it!
About the Author
Dr. Mihran Asinmaz is proud to serve West Palm Beach and its neighboring areas. He’s passionate about his work and believes in a patient-centered approach to dentistry. That means that no matter the problem or what questions you might have, he’ll listen intently and keep you informed. Even if you just want to chat about the best way to care for your Invisalign, Dr. Asinmaz will be happy to see you! To contact his office, call 561-640-9200.