Using Invisalign to achieve your smile goals? If you’re like many patients, the discreet trays were one of the main draws (in addition to the hassle-free oral care and shorter treatment timelines, of course). However, it’s important to note that the aligners will only remain clear if you take care of them properly. Neglecting to do so can cause them to discolor, leaving your teeth looking yellow and dull. Don’t worry – you can prevent that from happening with the below best practices for caring for Invisalign trays.
#1. Implement a Solid Morning Hygiene Routine
Before you started treatment with Invisalign, you probably rolled out of bed, gave your teeth a quick brush, and went on with your day. Now that you have clear aligners, you should add a few extra steps to that routine. For example, you should rinse your trays thoroughly before giving them a good brushing. (Just make sure to use Invisalign-friendly cleaning products to prevent them from getting scuffed).
#2. Don’t Eat or Drink with Your Aligners
Invisalign doesn’t come with many rules and restrictions. With that being said, there is one extremely important one you should follow to keep your aligners clean and clear: don’t eat or drink with them in your mouth. With the exception of water, you should always take them out, place them in a secure case, and rinse them off before putting them back in.
#3. Soak Your Aligners Once a Day
Even with a solid brushing, your aligners can collect food particles, plaque, and other bacteria. So, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of soaking them at least once a day. Since you need to wear your trays for 22 hours, consider placing them in some Invisalign cleaning crystals while you eat your lunch or dinner. That way, your aligners will be nice and clean once you’ve finished your meal and brushed your teeth.
#4. Don’t Leave Your Aligners Unprotected
Out of sheer convenience, you may be tempted to leave your aligners on the table or wrapped up in a napkin while you eat. Unfortunately, this significantly increases your risk of breaking or misplacing them. Not to mention that bacteria can form on the surface if left unprotected. So, prepare ahead of time by keeping a sturdy case with you to place them in (brightly-colored ones often are helpful since they are harder to lose).
You deserve clear, virtually undetectable aligners throughout your treatment, not just at the beginning. The good news is you can keep yours in pristine condition by simply implementing the above best practices!
About the Practice
At Pinnacle Dental, our patients and their smiles benefit from the expertise of two incredible dentists, Dr. Clark Ingoldsby and Dr. James Zonghetti. Both LVI trained dentists, they are committed to delivering high-quality dentistry, utilizing the latest techniques and technologies, and providing top-notch patient care. If you have any questions about properly caring for your Invisalign trays or simply need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 781-843-7905.