Just Started Invisalign® Treatment? Here’s the Best Way to Take Care of Your Aligners

Invisalign® is a convenient and effective way to treat alignment issues like crooked teeth, overcrowding, and bite abnormalities. It’s more discreet than braces and provides lasting results, but caring for your aligners is key. 

At Family Dental Group, our caring team regularly prescribes Invisalign to teens and adults. Below, we explain what to expect during treatment and how to take care of your aligners.

What is Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth and jaw. Instead of relying on metal brackets, arch wires, and rubber bands, like traditional braces, it uses a series of clear, plastic aligners that fit snugly over your upper or lower teeth.

You wear the aligners for 20-22 hours daily, only removing them to eat, brush, and floss. Over time, Invisalign places mild pressure on your teeth and jaw, improving their alignment and position.

We use Invisalign to treat various dental problems, including:

• Crowded teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Gaps between the teeth
• Crooked teeth

Invisalign can also address bite abnormalities, such as crossbite, overbite, and underbite.

How to care for your Invisalign aligners: 5 top tips

Keeping your aligners clean is key to treatment success. Follow these tips for maximum results:

1. Clean your aligners regularly

Invisalign aligners are like your teeth in that they collect food particles, saliva, and plaque. Some buildup is normal, but if you don’t remove it, you’re more likely to experience bad breath and other side effects. 

Every time you remove your aligners, rinse them in cool tap water. Avoid warm or hot water as high temperatures may cause the plastic to warp.

Before going to bed, do a more thorough cleaning. We recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild antibacterial soap. Brush your aligners in smooth, circular motions, paying special attention to areas with buildup. Soap might seem like a strange choice, but toothpaste, denture cleaner, and other abrasive products can damage your aligners.

2. Soak your aligners daily

You’ll want to soak your aligners daily, in addition to cleaning them. Soaking removes plaque, food particles, and bacteria, providing a deeper clean. We can recommend a specific cleaner if you’re unsure where to begin, or you can soak your aligners in a solution of three parts warm water to one part white vinegar. 

Soaking typically takes 15-30 minutes for optimal results, so we recommend doing this while you’re eating a meal. 

3. Avoid eating and drinking with your aligners in

Since Invisalign aligners collect food particles and stains, avoid eating or drinking when they’re in. This might seem like a hassle, but it’s the only way to avoid damage and discoloration. You can prevent some headaches by primarily drinking water, but if you want a snack, make the extra effort and take your aligners out.

4. Keep your aligners in a case

Invisalign aligners are tough and durable, but they aren’t invincible. Always store your aligners in a protective case to reduce the risks of cracks and other damage. This rule applies even if you’re just brushing and flossing. Accidents can happen anytime, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

5. Visit the dentist regularly

Invisalign treatment is safe and usually well tolerated, but as with any orthodontic treatment, routine checkups are essential. Our team monitors your progress at regular checkups, adjusting your care plan as needed. We also inspect your aligners for damage and general wear-and-tear, replacing them regularly. 

We’re here to support your orthodontic needs

If you’re interested in orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, contact Family Dental Group today. Call the nearest office in Gardner, Northborough, or Paxton, Massachusetts, or book your appointment online.