Step-By-Step Guide on How To Look After Your Invisalign

The most important thing to remember about Invisalign aligners is that they must be cared for and cleaned.

Although the aligners are intended to be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks, they still need care during that time.

Keep reading to see our tips on best practices for looking after and cleaning your Invisalign clear aligners.

 

Don’t Eat or Drink with Your Aligners

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign doesn’t come with a list of foods you can’t eat – because you’re supposed to remove them when having anything other than water!

Colorful drinks (such as coffee, soda, and wine) can stain your aligners.

Additionally, note that Invisalign isn’t created with chewing in mind; the pressure can damage them, and food particles will get stuck in them.

You can drink water with your aligners, but that’s about it.

 

Create a Morning Cleaning Routine

You will have to wear your Invisalign at night for them to do their job.

Bacteria gather on your teeth and aligners during this time. Practice good hygiene by creating a morning cleaning routine to eliminate these harmful bacteria.

When you wake up, remove your aligners and give them and your teeth a thorough brushing.

 

Cleaning and Rinsing Your Invisalign Aligners

Rinse your aligners when you remove them

You can’t wear your aligners 24/7 as you must take them out long enough to eat and drink.

Rinsing your aligners (and your mouth) before putting them back in is also a good idea.

Rinsing your Invisalign will remove any saliva and plaque build-up.

If you remove your aligners to eat, it’s a good idea to brush your teeth before putting them back in, to ensure food particles aren’t trapped under an aligner.

Soak your aligners at least once per day

To keep your Invisalign looking its best, you should soak them once a day.

Remember, there’s a difference between cleaning and rinsing your Invisalign.

Rinsing your aligners may make them appear cleaner, but unseen bacteria can build up.

• Rinse your aligners with water every night.
• Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, clear liquid soap to remove debris or food particles accumulated during the day.
• Rinse thoroughly after brushing.
• Store them in a protective case whenever they aren’t in use.

 

The Best Ways to Care for Aligners

Following some best practices for taking care of your aligners can help keep them clean and bacteria-free. Here are some examples:

• Always take out your aligners when eating.
• Refrain from drinking anything other than water while your aligners are in.
• Refrain from using very hot water to clean the trays.
• Store your aligners in an airtight container whenever you aren’t using them.

These practices can help keep your aligners clean and your treatment most effective.

 

What cleaners should you avoid for aligners?

Some cleaners are damaging to use on your Invisalign aligners. Examples of these include:

• Denture cleaners
• Mouthwashes, especially those that contain alcohol
• Scented soaps, which can quickly start to taste bitter
• Toothpaste, which may cause microabrasions

Contact us today if you would like to know more about caring for your Invisalign aligners or other orthodontic services we offer.

You can also check out our Invisalign information page.

• Call us at 561-482-8000
• Email us at info@bigbocasmiles.com

Our office is located in Boca Raton, FL. We happily welcome patients from the neighboring communities, including Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Boynton Beach, FL.