If you or your child have recently received aligner trays for starting Invisalign you are on your way to achieving a beautiful smile. One essential part to having Invisalign trays is keeping them CLEAN! Cleaning your dental appliances will help reduce bacteria growth and help to assure your Invisalign stays invisible.
Cleaning Recommendations
Developing good habits and a regular cleaning regime will ensure that your Invisalign trays stay in peak condition. Here are the steps to follow when cleaning your Invisalign:
- Remove Invisalign Aligners From Your Teeth – Remove Invisalign trays first and then clean them. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on how to wear and remove your Invisalign.
- Brush The Invisalign Aligners With The Help Of A Soft Toothbrush – Gently brush away any food particles with a soft toothbrush to clean the inside and outside surface of your trays. Toothpaste can be used to help clean the trays, however, the most important technique to cleaning is to do so gently as to not scratch and dull the surface of the Invisalign tray.
- Always Remember To Rinse Off Your Invisalign Aligner – After you have thoroughly cleaned the aligner with toothbrush and toothpaste, you will need to run it under a steady stream of cool water. Washing the aligners under running water ensures that any remnants of toothpaste are washed away.
- Put the Aligners Back On Your Teeth – It is in your best interest to put clean aligners on clean teeth. It is recommended that you use an antimicrobial mouthwash when you are wearing Invisalign because the aligners can increase bacterial activity in the mouth. After you have cleaned your teeth and your Invisalign aligners, you can put them back in your mouth. Follow the instructions from your orthodontist for wearing your Invisalign aligners.
Cleaning Don’ts
There are some cleaning methods to avoid when taking care of your Invisalign.
- Do not soak your trays in bleach or any other caustic chemicals.
- It is not necessary to soak your trays in mouthwash. If you follow the brushing method, your trays will stay clean and bacteria free.
- Do not use denture tablets as they are not made for Invisalign and can turn them yellow over time after repeated use.
- Do not use a hard bristled toothbrush or whitening toothpaste to clean Invisalign trays. Brushing roughly will scratch your Invisalign aligners and reduce their clarity.
Wake Orthodontics is a Preferred Provider of Invisalign for 2016 and we specialize in providing individualized, caring service because we know that every patient has unique needs. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign at Wake Orthodontics and are ready to transform your smile call for a free consultation (919) 719-1780.