One of the major perks of Invisalign is that it’s much easier to care for than traditional braces. With aligners, there are no wires to floss around or brackets to brush. With proper usage, there should be no way for food to become trapped in your gear, or even for white spots to form on your teeth from decalcification. But you still need to take care of them and of your teeth to get the best results. Wondering how to best maintain your Invisalign aligners? Here are some best practices to help keep them clean and clear for the duration of your treatment.
Rinse Well
Be sure to rinse your aligners off each time you remove them from your mouth. You can do this with regular tap water, and then either blot dry, or allow them to drip dry. Once you are done rinsing, store them in your case so they do not pick up any dirt or bacteria sitting out in the open. Furthermore, if you are removing them for lunch away from home, be sure to put the case somewhere safe so you do not accidentally forget it or throw it away.
Brush Up
Once you have completed your meal or beverage, be sure to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. If you have only had a drink, you do not need to floss your teeth, however if you have had something to eat you should do both. This step may seem tedious, but it’s very important. If you do not clean your teeth well, debris can essentially become pinned to them for hours with no way to escape because your saliva will not be able to rinse it away with your aligners in.
Cleaning Your Aligners
In addition to keeping your teeth clean, you must always keep your aligners clean as well. This will prevent them from becoming discolored and increasing your risk of cavities. To clean them, first remove them and soak them in a retainer soak. Never use colored soaks, mouthwashes, or denture soaks, as they can easily absorb the color of the fluid. Once they are done soaking, brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the one you use for your teeth) and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Then, rinse them well and put them back in your mouth. Voila! Your aligners are now clean.
Remember, part of crafting a beautiful, healthy smile is keeping your teeth healthy and cavity-free during your Invisalign treatment, but in order to do so, you must care for your teeth and your aligners diligently. With these care steps, you’ll be well on your way to having a straighter, healthier smile that you can be proud of.
About Dr. Holcomb
Dr. Joshua A. Holcomb treats patients of all ages and finds great joy in personalizing their experience to best suit their individual needs. His gentle, comforting demeanor and vast skillset make Dr. Holcomb an excellent choice for patients seeking a wide range of services, from general exams to TMJ therapy and even Invisalign.
Dr. Holcomb is a faculty club member in Scottsdale Arizona under the Spear’s Master Curriculum. He also completes more than 100 continuing education hours per year to ensure that his patients always benefit from the most current dental techniques and science.
To schedule an appointment for Invisalign, please visit our website, or call us today at 901-850-0300.