Millions of Americans have chosen the Invisalign teeth straightening system to correct less than perfect smiles. As an alternative to traditional and very noticeable metal braces, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners, which are nearly invisible in person and photos. Even better, this unique alignment technology uses a series of removable trays, allowing you to eat whatever you want. Dentists love the removable feature of Invisalign as you can remove your trays to brush and floss naturally, which promotes optimal oral health. But, it is equally important to keep your Invisalign trays and retainers clean and free from bacteria. Here is a guide for how to clean and care for your Invisalign trays and retainers.
Cleaning Invisalign Trays
Your Invisalign treatment will require that you wear a series of alignment trays. Most people will wear each set of aligners for a couple of weeks, in keeping with your dentist’s treatment plan for you. It is very important to keep each series of trays clean, throughout your treatment.
Rinse and Brush Trays Every Night
You should remove and rinse your aligners daily. It’s a good habit to rinse and brush your aligners, or your retainer every time you brush your teeth. Be sure to avoid using abrasive materials and chemicals. Instead, simply use a soft head toothbrush to gently brush the aligners. Avoid brushing your aligners with mouthwash, a hard toothbrush, or denture cleaner. This can scratch them, leading to a cloudy or dull appearance.
Soak Your Invisalign Trays Daily
Though not mandatory, soaking your aligners in a specially formulated soaking agent can help them to remain virtually invisible. Simply drop your aligners into a lukewarm bowl of water. Then add Invisalign cleaning crystals and let your aligners soak for approximately 15 minutes. Use a soft head toothbrush to gently brush the aligners after they’ve soaked, then rinse with water before putting them back in your mouth.
Opt for Cleaning Products
Invisalign offers a variety of cleaning products, systems, and solutions to help you maintain your aligners. Though you can clean your aligners with a toothbrush and water, you can also use Invisalign’s products which include a cleaning spray, cleaning foam, and cleaning crystals. If you want to ensure your aligners are sterilized each day, Invisalign also offers a sterilizing solution and tray system that you may choose to purchase.
Caring for Invisalign
In addition to regular cleaning of your Invisalign trays or retainer, you should aim to take good care of your aligners by:
- Removing aligners when you eat
- Removing aligners when you drink
- Keeping them in a safe case, when you’re not wearing them
- Wearing your aligners most hours of the day
Even though you’ll only be wearing each set of trays for a couple of weeks, taking care of them should be a priority. Failing to clean and care for your trays can lead to yellowing or dulling of the trays. Even worse, you’ll expose your teeth to bacteria, which can lead to cavities or gum disease.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in New Jersey Today
Most adults who have all of their teeth, and who are free of gum disease are excellent candidates for Invisalign treatment. If you’re tired of living with slanted, gapped, uneven, or crooked teeth, schedule an Invisalign consultation at Bella Dental today. Bella Dental offers no obligation Invisalign consultations at our three locations in Holmdel, Brick, and Oakhurst, NJ.