Invisalign Aligner

How To Take Care Of Your Invisalign Aligner?

December 26, 2022
Invisalign Aligner

Do you have Invisalign aligners and want to keep them in tip-top condition? Taking good care of your Invisalign aligners is an essential part of the process. Without proper dental hygiene and maintenance for your clear aligner tray, you could be looking at costly replacements or a prolonged treatment time. 

How To Take Care Of Your Invisalign Aligner?

To ensure your teeth stay on track with their straightening journey, let’s discuss some handy tips on taking excellent care of your Invisalign alignment system.

Morning Invisalign Care Routine

The first thing you should do when you wake up is remove the aligners. Then gently brush them with a soft toothbrush after rinsing them with tepid water (never hot water, as it can burn the plastic). The best option is to keep a toothbrush just for this use.

To clean the aligners, use a bit of liquid antibacterial hand soap. Never wash with colored soap because it could discolor your aligners. The hard toothbrush you use for your teeth or even toothpaste should not be used simultaneously.

Abrasive toothpaste particles or the rough force of a regular toothbrush can scratch the aligners, leaving grooves that can trap discoloration and germs. After cleaning your aligners, rinse them and only put them on after you’ve given your teeth a regular brushing.

Before And After Eating Or Drinking

Remove your aligners before you eat or drink anything. If you don’t, the food and drink particles you consume could stick to the aligners and cause stains and damage. Food particles that stick to your aligners may transfer to your teeth and gums, promoting plaque-forming bacteria development.

You should not take plaque lightly; if left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with a professional’s assistance. When tartar is left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more periodontal disease.

Make sure to take out your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking to avoid the hassle of plaque and tartar.

Each Time You Remove Your Invisalign Tray, Clean It.

Wash your Invisalign aligners thoroughly whenever you remove them. Your aligners won’t stay clean if you only rinse them and soak them in water. Instead, think about using cleaning crystals for Invisalign or clear soap denture cleaners.

Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule can assist you in preventing the growth of bacteria in the aligners as well as the attachment of bacteria that give off an unpleasant smell.

After-Bed Aligner Care

Apply the same morning routine to your aligners at night. They should be brushed and cleaned with soap, cleanser, or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Brush and floss your teeth as usual while keeping your aligner moist. Before going to bed, rinse the aligners and replace them. Remember that for an Invisalign treatment to be effective; you must wear the aligners for at least 20–22 hours per day.

Your Invisalign Aligner Video Source: Youtube

The Bottom Line

You must take care of your Invisalign aligner properly to maintain its efficacy and lifespan. Remember to brush and floss regularly, avoid hard and chewy foods, wear a mouthguard when playing sports, and clean your aligner thoroughly every day. If you follow these simple tips, you should have no problem keeping your Invisalign aligners in top shape!

What is the age limit for Invisalign?

The majority of people believe that only adults and teenagers need orthodontic treatment. But this is untrue. Patients of any age could receive treatment with Invisalign and regain their attractive smiles. Getting treatment for crooked or misaligned teeth when you are young is undoubtedly a good idea, but there is never a wrong time to get your smile back.

How long does it take Invisalign to make the right correction?

Treatment with Invisalign could take anywhere from 6 to 15 months on average, depending on how complicated the patient’s teeth are. In some cases, the course of treatment can be finished in as little as three months, but this depends on each patient’s particular requirements.
You must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day throughout treatment.

Is Invisalign treatment painful?

While the gentle, continuous force in Invisalign treatment moves your teeth, some people experience brief discomfort during the first few days of using a new set of aligners. It’s common for people to describe it as “pressure,” and it’s a sign that your Invisalign clear aligners are doing their job and transforming your smile.
If you have any worries or feel uncomfortable, please consult a doctor.