Whether you are a concerned parent or a busy teen, you may benefit from reading this blog on how to clean Invisalign properly! You probably already know that those aligners need to be cleaned regularly and when they’re not, you can definitely see and sometimes smell the consequences.
Even though you’re only wearing each set of clear aligners for 2 to 4 weeks, you still need to care for them to ensure your orthodontic treatment goes smoothly. Keeping aligners clean is also better for your oral hygiene, too. After all, what’s the use of having perfectly straight teeth that are riddled with cavities and decay?
Below are 5 easy ways to keep your Invisalign aligners clean!
1. Take your aligners when eating and drinking.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by the number of patients who forget to take off their Invisalign for a quick snack or coffee break. However, it’s crucial to keep your trays free of food and drink. Otherwise, food debris and bacteria can get trapped under your aligners and result in plaque, decay, and cavities. So unless you’re drinking water, take those aligners off!
2. Brush and floss after meals.
Your aligners are in direct contact with your teeth, so whatever’s left on your teeth will most likely be transferred to your aligners. The best way to prevent this is to brush and floss your teeth after every meal before your put your aligners back in. There are tons of travel-friendly mini brush and floss sets that you can bring on the go!
3. Gently brush your aligners.
It definitely doesn’t hurt to give your aligners a light scrubbing once in a while. Simply use water and a toothbrush to keep your Invisalign nice and clean. There’s no need for toothpaste, but you can use antibacterial soap if you feel that your aligners need a little extra TLC.
4. Soak your aligners.
If your aligners seem a bit discolored, you can leave them in a cup of regular vinegar or denture cleaner for an hour. This should remove any stains that are tainting your smile and more importantly, get rid of plaque buildup that may have formed.
5. Drink water
Bacteria thrive when your mouth is dry. Keep them at bay by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and before you sleep. Since your Invisalign will be in your mouth for 20 – 22 hours a day, drinking water is the easiest way to keep your aligners clean. Water will help flush away food debris and plaque that may be lingering in your mouth. Besides, drinking lots of water will keep you hydrated, which is a great health benefit in and of itself.
Care for your aligners and they will care for you! With proper maintenance and good dental hygiene, your orthodontic process go well and you will have a stunning smile in no time. For more information about Invisalign and orthodontics, feel free to contact our San Diego kids orthodontist at Children’s Braces & Dentistry!