Let’s Get Some Things Straight: The Dos and Don’ts of Invisalign

Invisalign offers the best of both worlds: you can effectively straighten your teeth without hiding your smile with cumbersome metal brackets. The clear aligners are even removeable, making it easier to keep your teeth clean as opposed to braces that are in your mouth 24/7. To enjoy the benefits of this treatment, though, there are some guidelines you’ll want to abide by. Let’s look at the dos and don’ts of Invisalign to give you a clear picture of how to effectively get the most out of this treatment.

Do Clean Your Aligners Every Day

You don’t want unclean aligners turning yellow, giving you bad breath, and causing tooth decay! That’s why it’s important to spruce them up daily.

When you wake up in the morning, take your trays out and clean the inside and outside of them with a soft bristle toothbrush and clear liquid soap. Avoid using toothpaste as it contains abrasives that can scratch your aligners. Repeat this process in the evening after brushing your teeth.

Do Soak Your Invisalign 

For a little extra help in the fight against bacteria and tooth decay, get yourself Invisalign cleaning crystals to soak your aligners in. 

To soak your Invisalign using their crystals, simply:

• Fill a cup with lukewarm water.
• Submerge your aligners in the cup along with the packet of crystals or cleanser.
• Let them soak for around 15 minutes.
• Rinse aligners thoroughly.

It might be a good idea to also gently brush your trays after soaking them, just to make sure there’s no debris left over.

Do Brush and Floss Before Putting Your Trays Back In

The only thing you should consume with your trays in is water. For everything else, be sure to take your trays out until you’re done eating or drinking.

You may find it hard to remember to bring a toothbrush and floss with you everywhere at first, but you need to get in the habit of brushing and flossing after every meal and snack to avoid cavities, discoloration, and wedged debris.

Don’t Use Harmful Ingredients to Clean Trays

Hot water, bleach, toothpaste – these are all no-nos when it comes to cleaning your Invisalign. Heat can distort the shape of your aligners; use lukewarm water when you clean them. Bleach is a very harsh agent and can ruin the appliance by degrading the plastic. As mentioned before, toothpaste has abrasive qualities that can scratch and scuff up your device.

Don’t Eat or Drink with Your Trays In

Wearing Invisalign takes a little self-discipline. Unlike traditional braces that are fixed in your mouth, you must take out your Invisalign trays every time you eat or drink anything other than water to protect them from damage. The temptation to leave them in while you just have a little snack may be strong, but you’re taking a risk. So, to prevent that soda you’re about to have from discoloring your aligners, be sure to take them out until you’re done.

Don’t Leave Your Trays Out in the Open

Leaving your trays lying around is not only a good way to damage or lose them, but it’s an easy way to expose them to bacterial buildup. Always keep your aligners in a case and take the case with you when you head out.

Now that you’re armed with a guide of what and what not to do, you can look forward to successful treatment with Invisalign and a smile that you’ll be proud of in the end!

About the Practice

Advanced Dental Care is where state-of-the-art dentistry meets down-to-earth service. Our team is ready to take care of you no matter what your need is, from preventive to restorative to cosmetic services and more! For Invisalign, we offer free consultations and custom-made devices for each patient with a discreet appearance that no one will notice. Make your appointment today on our website or call our Parma Heights office at (440) 885-5354.