How to Keep Your Invisalign Trays Clean and in One Piece

Dentist Blog

After you have your consultation and are determined to be a candidate for Invisalign, your orthodontist will send you home with a set of trays and instructions to change them at a specific interval. If you want your teeth to become straight and beautiful, you will need to carefully stick to this change interval. Therefore, your Invisalign trays need to last. Here are some ways to keep them clean and in good shape throughout that one to two-week wear period.

1. Don't eat or drink anything other than water with your aligners in place.

It's so tempting to take just one or two sips of coffee with your aligners in place or to try to suck on some candy. But the only thing you should ever ingest with your aligners in place plain water. Aligners are very prone to staining, and they can pick up stains from food or drinks. While staining won't render the tray useless, it will make that tray more visible on the surface of your teeth, which undermines the purpose of using clear trays.

2. Remove the aligners very gently.

When you take the aligners in and out, do so gently. Usually, you just need to pull down on the aligner a little bit to get it to release. Do not twist or bend the aligner. If you have long fingernails, you may struggle to remove your aligners without poking the top of your mouth. It's a good idea to trim your nails and keep them short for as long as you have your aligners.

3. Soak your aligners in a specialized cleaning solution. 

Your dentist should give you the option of purchasing a specialized cleaning solution for your Invisalign. You might even be given a free container of cleaner with the purchase of your aligners. In any event, use this cleaner rather than trying to scrub your aligners with a toothbrush or soak them in mouthwash. The specialized cleaner is easier on the aligners, and it will do a better job of removing yellowness and stains so the aligners stay clear through the wear cycle.

Invisalign trays are convenient, comfortable, and easy to use. With the tips above, you can keep your trays in better condition and start enjoying a straighter smile. If you do have any trouble with the trays ripping, bending, or developing stains, then speak to your dentist or orthodontist right away. 

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29 September 2020

To Tell the Tooth: A Dental Blog

Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.