Taking Care of Your Invisalign Aligners: 4 Important Tips to Keep in Mind

Invisalign offers a more discreet way to straighten your teeth compared to traditional braces. However, if you don’t take proper care of your aligners, they could become discolored and develop an unpleasant odor, drawing the kind of attention to your grin that you don’t want. In order to avoid these issues, be sure to follow these 4 tips for making sure that your Invisalign aligners stay clean.

1. When You Remove Your Aligners, Rinse Them and Brush Your Teeth

You will need to take your aligners out of your mouth whenever you sit down to enjoy a meal. Once you’re done eating, your first instinct may be to put your aligners back in right away – but first, you should head to a sink and rinse them off gently. Doing so can help prevent the accumulation of dried-on saliva and potentially harmful plaque.

Additionally, you should take the time to brush and floss your teeth after each meal. That way, you can get rid of any small bits of food that may be lingering in your mouth so that they don’t get trapped against your teeth by your aligners.

2. Soak Your Aligners Regularly

If you want to keep your aligners as clean as possible, simply rinsing them off isn’t enough. You should also periodically soak them with Invisalign cleaning crystals dissolved in water. (A denture cleaning solution can also be a viable option.) After they’re done soaking, give them a thorough brushing. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush for the job, but make sure that it’s not the same toothbrush that you use to clean your actual teeth.

3. Always Make Sure That Your Aligners are Stored Properly

Your aligners should remain in your mouth for the majority of the day. When you do remove them, you should always make a point of putting them in a safe place. Leaving them out in the open could make them a target for harmful bacteria and increase their chances of being damaged by accident. As such, be sure to always carry the case for your aligners so that you can store them properly no matter where you are.

4. Don’t Eat or Drink Anything Besides Water While Wearing Your Aligners

You might be tempted to sneak a quick snack or take a sip of soda while your aligners are still in your mouth. However, doing so can easily cause the aligners to become stained. Additionally, Invisalign aligners are not meant to stand up to the pressures of chewing and could break if you try to eat with them. As such, the only thing you should consume while your aligners are still in your mouth is water. When eating or drinking anything else, you must remove your aligners beforehand.

About the Author

Dr. David M. Weinman earned his Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Connecticut. At his practice in Westfield, he uses Invisalign to help his patients straighten their teeth so that they can enjoy more confident smiles. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Weinman, visit his website or call (908) 654-7200.