Caring for Your Virtually Invisible Orthodontic Treatment!
Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. While Invisalign aligners are an excellent solution for many, proper care is essential to ensure your treatment goes smoothly and yields the best results.
At Trusted Dental Care in Wylie, TX, we’re committed to helping our patients succeed with their Invisalign treatment. To schedule an Invisalign consultation and determine your Invisalign candidacy, contact our Invisalign provider in Wylie today by calling (214) 702-0446.
Why Invisalign Care is Important
Taking good care of your Invisalign aligners isn’t just about keeping them looking clean—it’s vital for the success of your orthodontic treatment. Invisalign aligners are designed to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Poor care can lead to complications such as:
- Bacterial buildup and plaque formation
- Unpleasant odors
- Staining or discoloration
- Damage to the aligners leads to a longer treatment time
- Compromised oral health
How to Clean Your Invisalign Aligners
Rinse Your Aligners
Before you put your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth, make sure to rinse them off thoroughly. Rinse them under cold water to remove any saliva or food particles that may be on them. You should also rinse your mouth out before putting them back in. This will help remove any bacteria or food particles that may be stuck in your teeth or gums.
Brush and Floss
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial when wearing Invisalign. Before reinserting your aligners, be sure to gently brush and floss your teeth. This step ensures that no food particles or plaque are trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which can cause tooth decay or gum disease.
Soak Your Aligners
In addition to rinsing and brushing, you can also use a cleaning solution to help keep your Invisalign aligners clean. Most dentists recommend using a clear, antibacterial soap with lukewarm water. Mix a small amount of soap with water and soak your aligners in the solution for around 15 minutes. Be sure to rinse them off thoroughly afterward to remove any leftover soap residue. Never use bleach or other hard chemicals to clean your aligners. These can damage the plastic and make it more visible.
Your Wylie Invisalign provider may also recommend using Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Dry Aligners Regularly and Properly
When not in use, for example during meal times, keep the clear aligners in a case and let them air dry. Avoid using a cloth as it can leave lint or other particles behind on your aligners.
Aligner Inspection
Before reinserting, inspect your Invisalign clear aligners for any calcium or tartar buildup that can appear as a cloudy white film. If you see this, you may need a specialized product or help from your orthodontist to remove it.
Caring for Your Natural Teeth
Good oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. When using Invisalign, it’s essential to take extra care of your teeth to prevent cavities and other dental problems.
To maintain excellent oral health during Invisalign treatment, do the following:
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent damaging your teeth and gums.
- Floss daily: Floss your teeth every day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. This will help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Use mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. This will help reduce the buildup of plaque and prevent bad breath.
Other Invisalign Aligner Maintenance Guidelines
Here are some additional tips and tricks on Invisalign care that can help you get the most out of your treatment:
- Wear your Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours a day to ensure the best results: Unlike traditional braces, you can eat and drink what you’d like. Just be sure to always remove your clean Invisalign trays before consuming food or drink. The only exception is water.
- Use a retainer case: When you remove your aligners, store them in a retainer case to prevent loss or damage.
- Use the right cleaning tools: Never use colored or scented soaps because they can discolor your aligners. You should also avoid toothpaste with whitening agents, as these can cause buildup and cloudiness on the aligners.
- Schedule regular checkups with Dr.G: Regular visits with our Invisalign provider are essential to monitor your progress and ensure that your treatment is on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it may be tempting to use mouthwash to clean your trays, it’s strongly recommended that you don’t. Many types of mouthwash contain alcohol, which can cause the plastic to become brittle and crack or break, rendering them useless. Mouthwash can also create small cracks in the aligners, making it easier for bacteria and other harmful substances to build up.
You should clean your aligners at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. However, it’s best to rinse them off whenever you take them out to eat or drink anything besides water. Taking these steps will help remove any food particles or bacteria that may be on the aligners.
Yes, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your aligners. Be sure to use non-abrasive toothpaste and rinse them off thoroughly afterward. It’s also important to be gentle when brushing your aligners, as brushing them too hard can scratch or damage the plastic. Be sure to use a light touch and gentle circular motions to help remove any buildup.
No, it’s not recommended to use hot water to clean your aligners. Hot water can warp the aligners’ plastic, causing them not to fit properly. This can not only make your treatment less effective but can also be uncomfortable to wear. Instead, stick to rinsing with cold water or lukewarm water when using a cleaning solution to help keep your aligners clean.
Contact Our Wylie Dentist for Your Invisalign Treatment Plan
You deserve to have a comfortable, stress-free treatment process, and that starts with proper care for your Invisalign aligners. Don’t wait another day to take action. Contact our Wylie dental office at (214) 702-0446 to learn more about caring for your Invisalign aligners and taking the first step toward the smile of your dreams.