Invisalign is a great way to straighten teeth without the hassle of metal braces. These clear aligners are comfortable, easy to use, and can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. But to get the best results, it’s important to take good care of them.
If you’re using Invisalign in Hunt Valley, MD, we’re here to guide you through the process. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your aligners clean, clear, and working as they should.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Invisalign Aligners
Caring for your aligners is simple, but there are a few important rules to follow. Here’s how to keep them in top shape throughout your treatment.
Take Your Aligners Out Before Eating
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that you can take the aligners out when you eat. But that also means you must remove them before every meal or snack. Eating with your aligners in can damage or stain them, and even soft foods can cause buildup.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Always take out your aligners before eating. Even soft foods can cause issues.
- Only drink water while wearing your aligners. Coffee, tea, soda, and other drinks can stain them or cause sugar and acid buildup.
- Store them safely. Use your Invisalign case to keep them clean while you eat.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
Your aligners sit against your teeth all day, so keeping them clean is essential. Here’s how to do it:
- Soak them daily. Use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a mild mouthguard soak in lukewarm water (never hot). Let them sit for about 15 minutes to remove bacteria and odors.
- Gently brush them. Use a soft toothbrush and liquid soap to remove plaque. Avoid toothpaste, which can be too abrasive.
- Rinse them often. Anytime you remove them, rinse them with water before putting them back in.
Brush and Floss Before Putting Your Aligners Back In
It’s not just your aligners that need to stay clean, your teeth do too! Food and bacteria can get trapped under the aligners. You will have bad breath, plaque buildup, and even cavities if you ignore it.
To keep your teeth and aligners fresh:
- Brush after every meal and snack. If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water before putting the aligners back in.
- Floss daily. This prevents plaque from building up between your teeth.
- Use mouthwash if needed. An antibacterial rinse can help keep your mouth clean.
Wear Your Aligners 20-22 Hours a Day
For Invisalign to work properly, you need to wear your aligners as much as possible—at least 20 to 22 hours a day. The more consistent you are, the faster your treatment will be.
Here’s why this is so important:
- Skipping hours can slow down treatment. If you don’t wear them enough, your teeth won’t shift as planned.
- Missing days can set you back. If you go without them too long, you may have to wear a previous set again or extend your treatment time.
- Only take them out for eating, drinking, and brushing. Try to keep them in at all other times.
Stick to Your Invisalign Schedule
You’ll get a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Make sure to:
- Switch to your next set on time. Delaying a new set can slow down progress.
- Track your wear time. Some patients find it helpful to use a timer or an Invisalign app.
- Keep old aligners just in case. If you lose or break a set, your previous aligners can be a backup until a replacement arrives.
Get the Most Out of Your Invisalign Treatment
Following these steps will keep your Invisalign aligners clean and effective. You’ll get your perfect smile in no time.
If you’re ready to fix crooked or misaligned teeth in Cockeysville, MD, we’d love to help! Call Valley Dental Health at 443-733-6613 or schedule a consultation online.
Have questions about your aligners? Let us know! We’re happy to help make your Invisalign experience smooth and successful.