When your dentist told you that you needed braces you went with Invisalign aligners because they are clear, so not as noticeable, and easy to put in and out. They seemed like such a better option than traditional braces with all that metal and wires. But now that you have them on, you might be worrying about how to clean your Invisalign trays. Just like brushing and flossing are essential for healthy teeth and gums, properly cleaning your Invisalign trays is also important for good oral hygiene. Don’t worry though, with the right knowledge you will be able to keep your trays as clean as when you first got them.
Avoid discoloration, odor and a buildup of bacteria by following these tips for how to clean Invisalign trays.
Each morning take your trays out and clean both your teeth and the trays thoroughly.
While you were sleeping a lot of bacteria could have built up on the trays so it is important to start the day off right with clean teeth and trays. Make sure you do this every evening as well.
Always rinse them when you remove them.
To prevent dry saliva and plaque from building up, make sure you rinse your trays every time you take them out of your mouth. You want to avoid creating an inviting environment for bacteria to grow. You can also use a clear anti-bacterial soap to keep your trays clean and clear. Brushing the trays with a soft-bristled toothbrush can also help remove some of the plaque. Even when you are out and about and not in the comfort of your own home, it is important to properly take care of your Invisalign trays.
Soak your aligners every day.
The best way to make sure your Invisalign trays are as clean as possible is to soak them in either a denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals. After they are finished soaking, use an extra toothbrush that you don’t use for your teeth to brush off any lingering plaque or food particles and then rinse the trays before placing them back in your mouth.
Always brush and floss your teeth before putting the trays back in.
If you put the trays back in when there are food particles still stuck between your teeth, you will be trapping them inside the trays which could lead to cavities and other dental issues down the road.
Don’t leave your trays out in the open air when you are not wearing them.
Leaving them exposed like that could lead to more buildup of bacteria while also making it more likely that you will lose them. Keep your case with you at all times just to be on the safe side. If by chance you do leave them out for a while, it is important that your rinse them, soak them and then rinse them again before putting them on again.
If you are traveling for any length of time, make sure to pack the next set of aligners or have them shipped to you.
You don’t want there to be any delays in your treatment so if you know you are going to be away for two weeks or more, then plan ahead with your orthodontist so you have your next set of aligners when you need them. It is also a good idea to take your old ones as a spare just case you lose your current trays while traveling. It is a good idea to also carry your Invisalign trays in your purse or carry-on luggage when flying just in case your baggage gets delayed or lost.
If you do not take proper care of your Invisalign trays then they will start to yellow and develop a foul odor which can be quite embarrassing. Take proper care of your trays and not only will you have a better experience during treatment, you are also protecting your oral health from future issues.
There are also plenty of things to avoid doing when trying to clean Invisalign trays. Try to keep these don’t’s in mind:
Don’t eat or drink with your Invisalign trays in.
You can drink water while wearing them, but nothing else. The trays are not built for chewing and can get damaged if you try to regularly eat with them in. Also, eating with the trays in, makes it easier for food particles to get stuck between your teeth. The food and drink can also stain the trays as well. Don’t forget to take the trays out before you sit down at the table.
Don’t use toothpaste to clean your trays.
While toothpaste is great for your teeth, it can actually cause discoloration to the trays and can damage them. Toothpaste will also cause a dull sheen to the trays which will also make them more noticeable in your mouth. And wasn’t the whole point of choosing Invisalign was so that people didn’t notice you were wearing anything? Toothpaste has some abrasive ingredients in it so it is not the ideal choice for cleaning your trays.
Don’t use soaps that are colored or scented.
Besides the risk of staining your trays, these soaps might give your trays an unpleasant taste when you put them back in your mouth. That can certainly ruin your appetite.
It is important to establish a routine with your Invisalign trays. Make sure you wear them and clean them on a daily basis. Even though you only wear each set for a couple of weeks it is very important to take proper care of them. You can cause a lot of damage to your teeth even in that short amount of time. Also make sure you are getting to the dentist for your regular cleanings as well during your Invisalign treatment.
For the most effective Invisalign treatment, you need to keep your teeth and trays in good condition while the trays work their magic. It doesn’t matter how straight your teeth are if they are not healthy as well. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on how to clean Invisalign trays and you will have a straighter, more beautiful smile before you even know it.