Welcome to the family of happy Invisalign® wearers! You are now part of a group of savvy consumers enjoying the multiple benefits of this easy-to-use teeth straightening system. The Invisalign® clear aligners are unlike any other type of treatment, requiring little maintenance. You do not need to make any major changes to your lifestyle. You can continue to do what you love, and before you know it, you will have the perfect smile you have been dreaming about.
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7 Tips to Maintain Your Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Caring for your Invisalign® aligners is simple. You can keep your aligners in top condition following the seven tips below.
Before you eat or drink, remove your Invisalign® clear aligners
One of the main benefits of the Invisalign® aligners is that they are very comfortable to wear, so comfortable that you often might not remember that you are wearing them. That said, removing them before you drink or eat anything besides plain water is important. Foods and beverages can stain your aligners and might even damage them as well as damage your teeth if you do not remove them.
The aligners are custom-fitted to your gum line and teeth, making them easy to remove and insert. They are so convenient that even if you are out in public and feel like grabbing a snack or a beverage, you can just step aside, discreetly remove your aligners, and get a quick bite to eat or take a sip of your beverage.
When you are not wearing your Invisalign® clear aligners, always store them in the aligner case
Ideally, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day to achieve the best results. However, there will be times during the day when you are not wearing them. During those times, it is essential that you store your aligners in the special Invisalign® case. The case will keep your aligners clean and free of germs. It will also protect your aligners so they will not get lost.
If, for some reason, you do not have your Invisalign® case with you when you remove your aligners, do not just put the aligners in your pocket. Instead, store them safely in a clean and dry place.
Clean your Invisalign® clear aligners with a soft-bristle toothbrush
You can give your aligners a quick clean by using a toothbrush with soft bristles, toothpaste, and warm water.
Brush all parts of your aligners with a gentle motion. Be extra diligent in cleaning areas where there might be food or drink debris. After brushing, rinse them well under warm water.
Brush and floss your teeth regularly
Continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual. This is essential for healthy teeth and gums. In addition, regular brushing and flossing can clean away any food debris and beverage residues that might stain your Invisalign® clear aligners. This should be part of your regular daily routine.
When you remove your Invisalign® clear aligners, rinse them
Every time you remove your Invisalign® aligners, rinse them quickly in lukewarm water. This will remove particles of food and beverages that can stain your aligners.
In addition to giving your aligners a quick clean after you remove them, you should also quickly brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water. This will get rid of any food particles that get trapped, which may cause problems when you reinsert your aligners.
Try not to consume foods or beverages that can stain your Invisalign® clear aligners
Certain foods and beverages are notorious for staining and can stain your Invisalign® clear aligners. Try to avoid them if possible. Here is a list of the worst culprits:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Cola
- Red Wine
- Soy sauce
- Curry
- Balsamic Vinegar
As mentioned in an earlier tip, you should always take out your aligners before you eat or drink anything besides plain water. If you know you will be consuming a food or beverage likely to stain your Invisalign® clear aligners, do not forget to remove your aligners before you eat. In addition, rinse your teeth and give them a quick brush. By doing these simple things, you can minimize the risk of these foods and beverages staining your aligners.
Schedule a regular check-up with your Invisalign® dentist
Last but not least, visit your Invisalign® dentist regularly. This is essential to your oral health, and it is also one of the best things to do in maintaining your Invisalign® clear aligners properly.
During your visit, your dentist will check the progress of your Invisalign® treatment to ensure that everything looks on track. If there are any problems, they will be detected and treated. Based on what you need, your dentist will recommend the frequency of your check-ups. Each patient has different needs, so ask the dentist what is ideal for you. Appointments do not all need to be in the office. Sometimes your dentist may offer virtual appointments. This is for your convenience to encourage you to get a check-up regularly.
If you follow the simple advice above, you can maintain your Invisalign® aligners and keep them clean and protected from damage. The tips are very simple to follow yet very effective. If you include them in your routine, you can keep your progress on track, and you will have that beautiful smile in no time.
If you want a perfect smile and want to find out if Invisalign® clear aligners are right for you, contact an Invisalign® dentist near you.