If you are a new Invislaign patient, or if you are considering using these hidden braces to straighten your teeth discreetly, you may be worried about keeping your aligners clean. After all, those soft, plastic gems have a big job to do in order to give you the smile that you’ve always wanted, so keeping them in top condition is important. Follow a few simple tips and keep your aligners clean and clear.
Brush them Out… Carefully
You can keep your aligners clean by brushing them at the same time that you brush your own teeth. You’ll take them out every morning and evening to do your own dental hygiene, so this is a perfect time to also clean out your aligners. Avoid toothpaste when brushing out your aligners, as it can cause scratches to appear. Likewise, use a soft toothbrush, and use gentle brushing motions when you’re working on your aligners.
Only Put Aligners on Clean Teeth
If you remove your aligners for any reason, whether it is to eat, drink, or play your favorite sport, it is important to clean your teeth before you reinsert the aligners. Food and other debris may accumulate on your teeth, and when your aligners are placed on top of these things, they can get dirty. At the very least, rinse out your mouth with water before you pop your Invisalign back into your mouth.
Store Them in a Safe Place
Do you have a habit of taking out your aligners and leaving them on the table, your lunch tray, or the bathroom sink? This can be a good way for your aligners to come in contact with and to breed bacteria. Instead, rinse off your aligners with water once you remove them from your mouth so that saliva doesn’t dry. Then, keep them stored in a glass of water or a sealed container until you’re ready to put them back into your mouth.
Avoid Stains
One of the best ways to avoid staining your Invisalign braces is to remove them whenever you eat or drink. Certain foods like coffee, tea, soda, and red wine can stain the teeth, but they can also discolor the clear plastic of your aligners. In addition to stains, leaving your aligners in while you eat or drink can also result in some unpleasant smells that are left behind, so take them out before meals.
Get a Cleaning Kit
Invisalign works to make the process of keeping your aligners simple by offering an easy to use cleaning kit. Simply soak your aligner one of the cleaners while you’re eating, since your braces will be out anyways. For best results, use a cleaner in the mornings and in the evenings. A gentle denture cleanser can also be used, but if you see any signs of discoloration or clouding, discontinue use and ask your dentist for other suggestions.
Invisalign is a great investment for your future smile, but it is important to properly care for your aligners. If you need additional tips on how to keep your aligners clean, contact your dentist today.
