Cleaning & Caring For Invisalign® Aligners
One of Invisalign’s many perks is that you can remove your aligners at a moment’s notice. This freedom allows you to easily access your teeth at home for more thorough and deep cleaning. You can maximize Invisalign’s results by following some simple guidelines and adding a few steps to your routine.
How To Clean Your Invisalign® Aligners
It is important to clean your aligners twice a day. Regular cleaning can help you avoid complications like bad breath or irregularities that result from leftover food particles getting lodged in your aligners.
Many people find it easy to include Invisalign cleaning with their regular brushing routine. Follow these steps to clean your Invisalign:
1
Turn your faucet on and find a mild temperature setting that is overly hot or cold.
2
Remove the aligner from your mouth and place it in the palm of your hand. Use a little bit of dish soap or hand soap to scrub the aligner gently. Don’t use toothpaste because it may scratch the surface of your aligner.
3
Continue gently scrubbing your aligner. Use a circular motion with your wrists to wash the aligner’s surface.
4
Once you have finished scrubbing the aligner, apply a light rinse of water before placing it back in your mouth.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Proper Invisalign care requires more than regular cleaning. Treatment requires committing to wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours every single day. Wearing them for this timeframe is necessary because the constant wear helps create a uniform bite. Without consistent wear, you will experience less stunning results.
Ask any Invisalign patient, and they will tell you that because the aligners are see-through, they are easily misplaced. Many people keep this from happening by developing mindful new routines. For example, you can create the ritual of always putting your Invisalign aligners immediately in their case when not in use. That way, you will be less likely to misplace the aligner.
When you are away from your house, it’s a good idea to travel with three sets of aligners. You can store them in your purse, backpack, or glove box. If your travel plans involve leaving town, bring spares for your current set, your previous set, and your next set.
Many patients reduce their stress by carrying a small bag of their Invisalign essentials with them at all times. They pack Invisalign essentials like backup aligners, cleaning supplies, and a spare case in this bag. That way, even if they lose your aligners while they are away from home, you can resume your treatment without interruptions.
A Few More Tips For Caring For Invisalign®
Invisalign aligners are made of a thermoplastic material. While this material is wonderfully malleable and provides a more comfortable alignment experience, you should exhibit care while drinking hot beverages like coffee or tea. Hot liquids can warp your aligner and affect the quality of your treatment outcomes.
Doing quick mini-cleans after meals can help eliminate any unwanted food debris. If you are far away from your normal cleaning location — you can rinse your aligners with just tap water. Be careful about the faucet temperature as overly hot water may distort the shape of the aligner.
Start Your Smile Journey In Washington!
Whether you’re on the go or at home, it’s easy to maintain your aligners. By taking a few extra moments to your aligners, you can help prevent the buildup of food gunk and avoid having to pay for costly dental work to fix cavities. Taking steps like prepping go-bags with your Invisalign essentials will prepare you for any bumps on your smile journey.
Lund Orthodontics is proud to be a Diamond provider of Invisalign. No matter where you are in life’s journey, you deserve a natural and symmetrical alignment. We are proud to offer Invisalign solutions for teens and adults.
