Our Invisalign® dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, often recommend clear aligners because they’re a discreet way to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. Unlike traditional metal braces, most people won’t even realize that you’re wearing Invisalign aligners unless they’re standing close.
How to Take Care of Your Invisalign® Aligners
That being said, it’s important that you take care of your so they’ll remain in good condition.
Here’s what you need to know.
Brush Your Teeth After Eating
Your Invisalign aligners are made out of a clear, comfortable plastic. But they’ll stain over time if you don’t brush your teeth after eating. They’ll also give you bad breath.
Our advice? Carry a travel toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste with you. That way, you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods while taking care of your aligners and teeth.
The last thing you want is to trap old food particles and bacteria in your aligners and against your teeth. Remain diligent by practicing good oral hygiene throughout your Invisalign treatment.
Remove Your Aligners When Drinking Anything Other Than Water
Do you love your morning cup of coffee? Remove your before you drink anything that’s not water. Otherwise, you may trap the liquid between the aligners and your teeth.
Not only does this stain your clear aligners but it also increases your risk of tooth decay. That’s because you’re bathing your teeth in sugar for hours at a time, which feeds the harmful bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria is called plaque.
As plaque consumes sugar, it produces an acid that attacks your teeth and gums. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar and lead to gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues.
While you can remove plaque at home by brushing and flossing, only a dental professional will be able to remove tartar. That’s why it’s important that you don’t skip your teeth cleaning appointments during Invisalign treatment.
Use Your Invisalign Storage Case
We can’t tell you how many patients have accidentally thrown out their aligners after placing them on a napkin or tray. Always put your aligners in the storage case we give you.
Likewise, don’t cram your aligners into your pocket or purse. This will crush and bend your aligners out of shape.
The safest place for your Invisalign clear aligners is in your mouth. In fact, you should be wearing your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day for Invisalign to work as intended. But the second safest place for your aligners is in their proper case.
If you ever misplace your Invisalign case, please don’t hesitate to contact our office for a replacement.
Clean Your Aligners
Rinse your aligners every night and brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do NOT use toothpaste as some brands may be abrasive. You may also use the Invisalign cleaning system, which uses cleaning crystals to remove plaque in 15 minutes.
Book an Invisalign Consultation
Our , would be more than happy to help you achieve your smile goals. To request an appointment, please call Enhance Family Dentistry & Orthodontics at (734) 821-7676. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our office will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
