Invisalign aligners are custom-fabricated to be worn discreetly while working to straighten your smile. Since they are removable, they are designed with your lifestyle in mind. But, to achieve an optimal final result, you need to do more than simply wear your aligners. Caring for your aligners at home helps ensure they remain clean and in good condition. Plus, it helps to keep you on track and in good oral health to support a long-term smile transformation.
At Williams Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we encourage our patients to create healthy habits when it comes to looking after their aligners. It takes just a few extra minutes out of your daily routine to ensure your aligners are properly maintained and kept free from stains, smells, and deterioration to help you enjoy a healthy smile throughout your treatment. For patients living in Brandon, FL, here is what you need to know about how to care for your Invisalign aligners.
Wear Your Aligners As Directed
Consistency Is Key To Successful Treatment
The most important aspect of your Invisalign treatment is how consistently you wear your aligners. Your aligners are made to follow a specific treatment plan to move your teeth into place, so it’s vital to wear them as directed.
You will usually be asked to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. The only times you should generally take your aligners out are for:
- Meals or snacks.
- Drinking anything other than water.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth.
- Cleaning your aligners.
Wearing your aligners as consistently as possible tends to keep your treatment process more consistent.
Clean Your Aligners Every Day
Since aligners spend so much of the day in your mouth, bacteria, plaque, and food particles can accumulate without thorough, regular cleaning. If you clean your aligners daily, this can keep your aligners clear, fresh and comfortable to wear.
A basic cleaning routine can help you keep your Invisalign aligners clean, clear and fresh looking. To do this, we recommend gently cleaning your aligners with lukewarm water and recommended cleaning products or cleaning techniques. Regularly cleaning your aligners helps to:
- Reduce the buildup of bacteria.
- Prevent unpleasant odors.
- Reduce staining and discoloration.
- Preserve the clarity of your aligners.
Your aligners not only will look their best when they are regularly cleaned, but they also contribute to a healthier oral environment.
Avoid Hot Water & Harsh Cleaning Products
Since Invisalign aligners are made for your individual mouth, they are custom-fabricated to fit over your teeth perfectly. High temperatures can distort the aligners, and then they might not fit properly. When it’s time to clean your aligners, you should avoid:
- Hot water or boiling water.
- Abrasive cleaners.
- Household chemicals.
- Anything that’s not an approved aligner cleaning product.
Gently cleaning your aligners helps ensure the integrity of the aligners, which means your aligners will do their job to straighten your smile.
Remove Aligners Before Eating & Drinking
One of the benefits of Invisalign treatment is that you can take out your aligners to eat. This flexibility gives patients the freedom to eat what they want with far fewer dietary restrictions than traditional braces.
Always take out the aligners before eating and remove them for all drinks except water. Coffee, tea, soda, sports drinks, and wine can stain aligners, and they may also trap sugars or acids against your teeth. When you take the aligners out during meals, you are:
- Protecting the aligners from damage.
- Minimizing staining.
- Preventing food or sugars from staying in contact with your teeth for a long period.
- Keeping aligners clear and clean.
Following your meal, brushing prior to putting the aligners back in is an additional step that can keep both your teeth and aligners cleaner.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
Invisalign treatment is most effective when used in conjunction with a good oral hygiene regimen. Aligners fit closely against the teeth, so any residue that remains after brushing or flossing could be held against the teeth by the aligners.
Make oral hygiene a priority during your Invisalign treatment, as it helps keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the treatment process by:
- Brushing your teeth at the end of each meal, as best you can.
- Flossing daily.
- Visiting your dentist for scheduled dental cleanings.
- Any individualized care from our team.
Clean teeth and healthy gums contribute to a successful orthodontic treatment and to good oral health long-term.
Store Aligners Correctly When Not In Use
Every time you take your aligners out of your mouth, they should be kept in their case. If you leave your aligners on your table, counter, or other surfaces, you run the risk of accidentally damaging or losing your aligners. Keeping your aligners in their case can help protect them from:
- Bacteria and debris.
- Damage, such as cracks or warping.
- Disposal.
- A pet who likes to grab them.
Aligners can be expensive, and having them easily misplaced or broken can add unnecessary delays and additional expenses. You can protect your investment by making a habit of putting the case to use.
Know When To Contact Our Team
Invisalign treatment is a fairly simple process, but questions or concerns can sometimes arise. Patients should contact us for anything, such as a broken or cracked aligner, misaligned teeth, an aligner that no longer fits, or any other questions regarding their treatment. Getting in touch with us right away may mean a faster resolution to a problem and will help avoid any unnecessary delays in treatment.
Make The Most Of Your Invisalign® Treatment With Williams Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
At Williams Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we think that proper treatment for Invisalign involves more than just wearing your aligners. You have to wear your aligners consistently and keep your teeth and aligners clean in between appointments. And we think every patient should have someone in his or her corner when seeking the results they deserve.
If you are a patient in the Brandon, FL area, we will be there for you with all the advice, care, and personal guidance you need for your Invisalign treatment. Let’s keep your aligners clean, comfortable, and clear. Call us today to learn more about how Invisalign can improve your smile. Call us for an appointment today!