Invisalign Clear Aligners - 7 Top Tips on Caring for Them

Invisalign Clear Aligners have been game-changing in how orthodontic treatment is offered, allowing you to effectively fix crowded, crooked teeth and gaps in your teeth. All of this to ensure a beautiful smile. Nevertheless, you should care for your Invisalign Clear Aligners to achieve the best results. Here are 7 Top Tips for taking care of your Invisalign Clear Aligners during your treatment process.

1. Clean Your Invisalign Clear Aligners Regularly

Just like your teeth, the Invisalign Clear Aligners need to be properly cleaned to prevent the build-up of unwanted bacteria, and to make sure that they remain as hygienic and invisible as you first got them. Here’s how you clean them:

Rinse Them When You Remove Them: Always rinse your aligners in lukewarm water when you take them out to prevent things such as plaque, residual food, and saliva from drying on them
Brush with a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush and gently brush your Invisalign Aligners with antibacterial soap. Make sure not to use toothpaste as this can scratch your aligners.
Soak Daily: Soak your aligners in a cleaning solution such as Invisalign Aligners cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner once a day to keep them fresh and sanitised.

2. Avoid Eating and Drinking with Aligners In

One of the key benefits of Invisalign clear aligners is that you can remove them when eating or drinking, which helps maintain better oral hygiene. Eating with aligners in can cause them to stain and can also lead to bacteria build-up. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Always Remove Before Eating: Take out your aligners before consuming any food or drink (except water) to avoid discolouration and damage.
Brush and Rinse Before Replacing: After eating, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in. This prevents food particles from being trapped and causing decay.

3. Store Your Invisalign Clear Aligners Properly

When you’re not wearing your aligners, it’s crucial to store them safely to prevent loss or damage. Here are some storage tips:

Use the Case Provided: Always store your aligners in the case provided by your orthodontist. This protects them from bacteria and prevents them from getting lost or damaged.
Avoid Napkins and Tissue: Never wrap your aligners in napkins or tissue when eating out as they can be mistaken as trash and may be thrown out.

4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Taking care of your teeth and gums is just as important as caring for your aligners. Good oral hygiene practices will help ensure your Invisalign treatment is effective and prevent issues like cavities and gum disease.

Brush Twice Daily: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. This removes plaque and prevents decay.
Floss Daily: Flossing is crucial as it removes food particles and plaque from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Use Mouthwash: Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help keep your mouth clean and fresh, reducing the risk of gum disease.

5. Handle Your Invisalign Clear Aligners with Clean Hands

Always make sure your hands are clean before handling your aligners to avoid introducing bacteria into your mouth.

Wash Hands Thoroughly: Wash your hands with soap and water before inserting or removing your aligners.
Avoid Touching the Inside: Try to handle your aligners by the edges to keep the inner surface, which touches your teeth, as clean as possible.

6. Be Mindful of Staining Agents

Certain foods and drinks can stain your Invisalign Clear Aligners, making them more noticeable and less effective. Here are some to avoid:

Avoid Coloured Beverages: Drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda can stain your aligners. If you consume these, be sure to rinse your mouth and aligners immediately.
Say No to Smoking: Smoking not only stains your teeth but can also discolour your aligners and affect your overall oral health.

7. Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions

Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions tailored to your treatment plan. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for the success of your Invisalign Aligners journey.

Wear Them as Directed: Typically, you should wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day. Only remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Switch Aligners as Scheduled: Change to your next set of aligners as instructed by your orthodontist. Delaying this can prolong your treatment.
Attend Regular Check-ups: Regular visits to your orthodontist ensure that your treatment is on track and any issues are addressed promptly.

Conclusion

Caring for your Invisalign Clear Aligners is a breeze; however, it is important to follow all the steps above so your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. If you’re looking for the best place to get your Invisalign treatment, we recommend Dr Sidharth Shah, a reputable specialist Orthodontist in Bandra, with over 10 years of experience in the dental industry. Remember that the time you invest into caring for your aligners is time invested into caring for your oral hygiene and your future flawless smile.