To keep your Invisalign aligners clear, comfortable and working well during your treatment you need to take care of them. Many patients love their new aligners when they start treatment but don’t know how to take care of them. We give you detailed instructions on how to care for your aligners at Marrecau Orthodontics but we’ll go over the basics with you so you know what to do from the start.
The most important thing to remember when taking care of your Invisalign aligners is to take them out before you eat or drink anything other than water. Food and drinks with colour can stain the transparent plastic making your aligners look bad and stand out. Coffee, tea, red wine and dark sodas are especially bad as they can change the colour of the aligners quickly. You shouldn’t drink clear drinks like juice or soda while wearing aligners as the sugar can get stuck between your teeth and the plastic and make you more likely to get cavities.
You should clean your aligners at least twice a day, usually in the morning and before bed. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles and lukewarm water is the easiest way. Gently brush the inside and outside of each aligner to get rid of any accumulation or dirt. Don’t use hot water as it can warp the plastic and change how your aligners fit. If your aligners are even a little bit bent they won’t move your teeth correctly and you’ll have to get new ones which will slow down your treatment.
Many patients ask if they should use toothpaste to clean their aligners. This makes sense but ordinary toothpaste is too harsh for plastic. There are tiny particles in toothpaste meant to clean your tooth enamel but the same particles can scratch the clear aligner material making it hazy. Clear antibacterial soap works if you don’t want to just use water. There are also special cleaning crystals made just for clear aligners. They dissolve in water and clean well without hurting anything.
It’s a simple habit that makes a big difference to rinse your aligners every time you take them out. Before you put them back in their case, give them a quick rinse under lukewarm water when you take them out to eat. This gets rid of saliva and stops bacteria from growing while they’re out of your mouth. Don’t leave your aligners out in the open where they can get dust or bacteria. Always keep them in the case we give you to protect them. Early orthodontic treatment identifies bite or spacing issues before they become more complex. By starting early, we can guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth. Early treatment promotes a healthy, balanced smile that lasts.
During Invisalign treatment it’s even more important to keep your mouth clean. You should clean and floss your teeth well before putting your aligners back in after eating. Putting aligners on dirty teeth means food and germs will be stuck to your teeth for hours which greatly increases your chance of getting cavities and gum disease. Many patients in Parkland carry a travel toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste so they can brush their teeth properly even when they’re eating out.
If you can’t clean your teeth after a meal at least rinse your mouth with water very well before putting your aligners back in. This gets rid of most food particles and is better than nothing but it’s not as good as brushing your teeth. Some patients also carry disposable flossers with them so they can clean their teeth quickly when they’re out and about.
It may seem like a small thing but using the aligner case that comes with your treatment can keep your aligners safe. When you’re not wearing your aligners they should be in their case not on a table, on a napkin or in your pocket. We’ve heard many stories about aligners getting thrown out with lunch trash, getting washed in a pocket or getting broken by a curious pet. The case protects them and keeps them clean.
Pay attention to your aligners. If they get hazy, smell bad or feel bad it’s a sign they need to be cleaned better or something is wrong. If you see any problems call our office. You change your aligners every week or two so any stains or buildup shouldn’t be a big deal. But keeping up with good cleaning habits will keep each pair fresh for the whole time you wear them.
Taking care of yourself only takes a few extra minutes a day but it makes a big difference in how you feel about your treatment. Clean aligners are more comfortable, stay clear and invisible and move your teeth better. Follow these simple care tips and your treatment will go well and you’ll get the smile you want.