6 Tips for Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth? This is something that many people are self-conscious of. The good news is that you don’t need to settle for a smile that you aren’t comfortable showing off. There are several different teeth straightening options out there, including Invisalign. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift your teeth into place without the use of metal brackets and wires. This treatment is highly effective and has many benefits, but caring for Invisalign aligners is a must! Here are some tips to help.

Clean Your Aligners Each Morning

When you’re sleeping at night, bacteria can build up on your trays. When you wake up, you should thoroughly brush both your teeth and your aligners. You should do this at night before you go to bed as well. This will help to freshen up your trays, and it’s necessary for excellent oral hygiene.

Rinse Your Aligners After Removing Them

Every time you remove your aligners, you should give them a rinse to reduce the amount of plaque and number of bacteria on them. Use an antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them if you are able. This will remove many of the particles that are stuck to the tray.

Soak Your Aligners

By using Invisalign cleaning crystals, you can soak your aligners each day. This makes it much easier to brush away food and plaque that is stuck to them. Be sure that you rinse your aligners thoroughly before placing them back into your mouth.

Clean Your Teeth Before Putting Your Aligners In

You should always brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back into your mouth. If you don’t, food particles can become trapped against your teeth. This will make the aligners dirty and can cause oral health problems in the future.

Don’t Eat or Drink While Wearing Your Aligners

The only thing that you should consume while wearing your aligners is water. If you want to eat or drink anything else, you need to take out your aligners first. If you don’t, food particles can become stuck, and your trays might become either discolored or damaged. Invisalign aligners are not made to be able to withstand the pressure of chewing.

Don’t Use Colored or Scented Soaps

Colored and scented soaps and toothpastes can leave residue behind on your Invisalign trays. This will cause discoloration over time. They can also leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Be mindful when choosing a soap to clean your aligners.

Invisalign has all sorts of benefits, but you need to keep them clean to prevent other issues. This way, you will be showing off your beautiful, straighter smile in no time!

About the Author

Dr. David Crescenzo is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than three decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Georgetown Dental School and pursues continuing education whenever possible to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, and Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS). For more information on Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at his office in Hammonton, visit his website or call (609) 561-0058.