While clear aligners are the most convenient and successful technique of straightening teeth for the majority of people, there are some fundamental guidelines to follow. We know, we know…you don’t need any more regulations in your life…right? However, if you want to get the most out of your clear teeth aligners, you must take proper care of them, wear them for the recommended amount of time each day, and report any problems to your orthodontist as soon as possible.

We’re here to answer any questions you might have regarding how the process works. Take a look at our dos and don’ts for achieving a killer smile with Invisalign!

Do:

  • Take out your Invisalign trays every morning, brush your teeth, and thoroughly clean the trays: Bacteria accumulates on the trays while you sleep. Maintaining proper dental hygiene and keeping your aligners looking and smelling nice requires establishing a consistent morning regimen. Also, do this every evening before going to bed.
  • Rinse your aligners every time you take them out: In addition to the morning and evening routines stated previously, you should rinse your aligners every time you remove them. Plaque and dried saliva will be prevented from forming. To remove stuck-on particles, clean your aligners with clear antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • If you don’t wear your aligners for the prescribed 20-22 hours each day, you won’t get the full value and benefit of Invisalign. And we want you to be able to witness the effects!
  • Always bring only what you need: This will aid in the proper care of your aligners. Carry a little bag with you everywhere so you can take care of your trays and aligners even when you’re out and about.
  • Soak your aligners once a day to keep them looking and smelling their best. Use a denture cleanser or cleaning crystals for Invisalign. After soaking, remove any caked-on food or plaque with a spare toothbrush. After that, rinse them before putting them back in your mouth.
  • Brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in your mouth: Keeping your teeth and gums clean is equally vital. Brush and floss your teeth after each meal and before replacing your trays. Food particles could become lodged between your teeth if you don’t.
  • Keep your aligners out of the sun, hot vehicles, and other sources of extreme heat.
  • When not in use, keep your aligners out of reach of pets and kids.
  • To keep your teeth and gums in good shape, schedule frequent dental cleanings and examinations.

Don’t:

  • Do not leave your trays lying around: Store your invisible aligners in their case when not in use. If you leave them outside in the open air, bacteria will build up faster. Plus, they’re more likely to be misplaced or damaged. This is why you should keep your aligner case with you at all times. If you do decide to leave them out, soak and rinse them before reusing them.
  • Fail to plan ahead of time for extended trips: Because you must replace your aligners every few weeks, considerable planning is required for Invisalign treatment. If you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, bundle the new trays with your old ones or have them sent to your destination. This will prevent treatment interruptions.
  • Eat or drink with your aligners in your mouth: You should only consume water while wearing your dental aligners. Remove the aligners first before eating or drinking anything else. You don’t want food particles to become lodged in there, staining and damaging the trays. Invisalign was not designed to withstand the pressure that comes with eating.
  • Use toothpaste or colored/scented soaps to clean your Invisalign trays: They will leave a residue on your trays and discolor them. Furthermore, your aligners will acquire an undesirable taste.
  • Use sharp objects to remove aligners.
  • Wrap the aligners in a napkin or paper towel to protect them.
  • Clean your aligners with hot water.
  • Put them in the dishwasher since high temperatures may damage them.
  • Soak your aligners in mouthwash to prevent them from being damaged or discolored.
  • Bite your aligners into place, you risk damaging both the aligners and your teeth.

We understand that this is a lot to take in right now. However, while these restrictions may appear daunting at first, you will rapidly fall into a habit that you can stick to without incident.

Looking for more information on clear aligners? We’ve got the answers.