Invisalign has revolutionized traditional orthodontic treatment methods by eliminating the need for bulky metal braces and wires, which can affect appearance and often cause discomfort. Instead, Invisalign uses clear aligners to straighten teeth, offering a more comfortable and discreet option.
Invisalign is a game changer in smile transformation, but proper Invisalign care is essential to maintain its effectiveness. Since the aligners are clear and transparent, they can easily stain and appear dirty if not cleaned properly. Neglecting Invisalign care can lead to bacterial buildup, increasing the risk of gum and periodontal diseases.
How to Care for Invisalign
Caring for Invisalign aligners is easy and does not require any extensive routine. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush keeps the bacteria away and prevents plaque accumulation in the gums and periodontal tissue. Here are 5 things that you can do for daily Invisalign care:
Clean Your Aligners Daily with a Toothbrush
Gently brushing the inside of Invisalign aligners is essential for maintaining good hygiene. Use a soft-bristle brush to avoid damaging their surface. For daily care, gently scrub the aligners using an Invisalign cleanser. Mild soap can also be use to remove debris and bacterial buildup caused by food entrapment. However, avoid using toothpaste or other harsh cleaning agents, as they may damage the aligners.
Remove Invisalign before Eating
It is not ideal to eat or drink while wearing aligners. Beverages consumed during the day can easily stain Invisalign, giving them a dirty appearance. Chewing food with the aligners in place can cause food to get trapped inside, and foods with coloring agents can also stain them. Additionally, chewing while wearing Invisalign can exert pressure on the soft aligners, potentially damaging them. This not only interferes with treatment but may also require the fabrication of new aligners.
After eating, rinse the aligners with water before placing them back in your mouth. It is also important to clean your teeth and rinse your mouth after every meal before wearing the aligners again.
Soak Your Invisalign Every Day
Invisalign comes with a specific cleaner that can be use instead of random cleaning agents. The cleaning agent contains alcohol, disinfectant, and sodium bicarbonate. It is recommended to clean the aligners by placing them in the cleaning solution for a few minutes. Then, wash off the cleaning solution and rinse the Invisalign with lukewarm water to remove any remnants.
Apart from the cleaning solution, a cheaper alternative is cleaning crystals, which contain the same ingredients but are used to soak the Invisalign. Dissolve the crystals in lukewarm water and let your aligners sit in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Use lukewarm water to gently brush and remove the cleaning solution.
Never use denture cleaners, soaps, or mouthwashes, as harsh cleaners can distort the aligners. Mouthwashes may also stain the aligners, altering their color.
Never Use Hot Water for Disinfection
Hot water is not ideal for cleaning Invisalign. Heat can soften the aligner and warp its shape, preventing it from fitting properly. This can also interfere with the treatment process. A distorted aligner shape may negatively affect the movement of teeth. It is recommended to use only lukewarm water for cleaning and avoid hot or boiling water entirely.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Caring for Invisalign also involves maintaining good oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing are essential to keep Invisalign clean and sanitary. If hygiene is not maintain, bacteria in the periodontal tissue can become trapped in the tray, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Not brushing your teeth at least once a day can cause gingivitis, a process that accelerates when Invisalign is worn on dirty teeth. Gum disease can affect the underlying bone, potentially hindering the treatment process.
Therefore, it is crucial to clean your mouth before wearing Invisalign. This helps keep both your oral cavity and the aligners clean.
Conclusion
Invisalign care is essential not only to prevent disease but also to ensure the treatment progresses smoothly and achieves the desired results more quickly. In addition to the steps mentioned earlier, other ways to care for Invisalign include storing the aligners in clean storage boxes to prevent contamination and limiting the consumption of color-containing drinks while wearing the aligners.
To achieve the desired results, it is important to wear Invisalign for 20–22 hours a day. Maintaining a proper hygiene routine can significantly enhance the quality of the treatment. These practices have shown promising results and are highly recommended by Invisalign dentist.
If you use Invisalign regularly, you can consult our experts at Valley Ridge Dental. With years of experience, our dentists can help you unlock a future of comprehensive oral healthcare and lasting wellness. Contact us or schedule an appointment today to access the best options for your teeth.
