If you have mild to moderate tooth alignment issues, you are likely a great candidate for clear aligners, also known as Invisalign. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are made of clear plastic and require much less maintenance. It is still very important to keep your Invisalign clean, however. How do you keep them bacteria-free at home? Here are five tips:
1. Rinse Your Invisalign Every Time You Remove Them
Whenever you take out your Invisalign, you should always at least rinse them with water. Dried saliva and plaque provides an ideal home for bacteria, so you want the aligners rinsed clean.
2. Soak Aligners When They’re Not in Your Mouth
When you remove your aligners for eating and drinking anything other than water, your aligners should be protected from germs in the air. That means keeping them in their tray and soaking in a denture cleaner or official Invisalign cleaning crystals. When you’re ready to put the aligners back in your mouth, rinse off the solution first.
3. Clean Your Aligners at Least Once a Day with Clear Antibacterial Soap
We recommend you thoroughly clean your Invisalign once a day, at least. You should use a clear antibacterial soap, as colored soaps can tint the plastic. Use a toothbrush with gentle bristles and avoid scrubbing hard, as that can scratch. You should not use toothpaste since most are too abrasive for the aligners.
4. Always Brush Your Teeth After Eating & Before You Put Your Aligners Back in
One of the best ways to keep your aligners clean is to keep your teeth and mouth clean. When you eat, always remove, rinse, and soak your aligners, and be sure to remember to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
5. Never Use Hot Water
Whether you’re rinsing your Invisalign or giving them a complete brush, never use hot water. Hot water will warp the plastic and since clear aligners are molded for an exact fit, even a slight change in their shape can make them ineffective.
Invisalign with Tyler Dentist Ashley Laird, DDS
If you have mild to moderate alignment issues, Invisalign can give you the smile you’ve always wanted. You wear each set for two weeks, and then switch to a fresh one. Tyler dentist Dr. Laird and the team will want to check on your progress, so come in every 4-6 weeks for an update and more aligners. For more information on Invisalign, the benefits, and how they work, visit our Invisalign page!
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