If you’re using Invisalign to improve your smile, remember that keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is just as important as wearing them! At Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we want to help you get the most out of your clear aligner treatment, whether you’re a teenager or an adult. Let’s go over some best practices for keeping your clear aligners clean..
Daily Cleaning Routine: The Basics
Maintaining a consistent care routine is the greatest rule of thumb with Invisalign clear aligners (or any orthodontic treatment). You can keep your aligners fresh and your progress on track with these simple steps from our resident orthodontist, Dr. Peter Barysenka:
- Rinse when you remove them: Always rinse your aligners with room-temperature water right after taking them out. This prevents saliva and plaque from drying on the plastic.
- Brush gently, not harshly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the same one you use for your teeth), clear liquid hand soap, and lukewarm water to clean your trays gently. Avoid colored soaps that might stain the trays, or scented soaps that will taste funny.
- Avoid hot water: Never expose your aligners to hot water—it can warp the plastic and affect the fit of your trays.
- Soak once a day: For a deeper clean, soak your aligners in a solution made for retainers or clear aligners. Invisalign-brand cleaning crystals or a diluted white vinegar rinse (one part vinegar, three parts water) work well.
- Brush your teeth before reinserting: Putting aligners back on over dirty teeth can trap bacteria and lead to decay.
To avoid damage:
- Don’t use toothpaste on aligners. Most formulas are too abrasive.
- Don’t eat or drink anything but water while wearing them.
- Don’t leave them sitting out unprotected. Keep aligners in their protective case when not in your mouth to avoid contamination or damage.
Tips for Teens Using Invisalign
Invisalign Teen is designed with a teen’s busy life in mind. Here are five tips to help our teenage patients stay on top of aligner care:
- Use the case! Your hard plastic case is the most ideal storage for your aligners. We say this because it can be tempting to put them in a plastic bag or elsewhere, but that makes them very easy to lose. Always use your case when you take them out.
- Set reminders: Use your phone or a watch alarm to remind you when it’s time to switch aligners or put them back in after a meal.
- Check the wear indicator: Invisalign Teen trays have a blue dot that fades with use. This helps you stay accountable and know if you’re wearing them for a proper amount of time.
- Pack a cleaning kit: Keep supplies like a mini toothbrush, travel soap, and case in your backpack or locker.
- Be careful with sports drinks: If you drink Gatorade or anything sugary during practice, be sure to remove your aligners first and rinse your mouth and trays afterward.
Why Clean Aligners Matter
Keeping your aligners clean isn’t just about aesthetics; it directly impacts your health and treatment progress! Dirty aligners usually harbor harmful bacteria, contributing to new or existing oral health problems and even throwing off your entire treatment timeline.
- Prevents bad breath: Trapped bacteria in unclean trays can lead to persistent foul odors.
- Reduces risk of cavities: Dirty trays can harbor bacteria that can attack your teeth, increasing the chances of tooth decay.
- Protects gum health: Bacterial buildup can also irritate your gums, causing inflammation or bleeding.
- Keeps aligners clear and discreet: Cloudy or stained trays are more visible, and the whole point of Invisalign is to be invisible!
- Improves treatment efficiency: Well-maintained trays fit better and work as designed, keeping your progress on schedule and the finish line in sight.
How We Support You
- At Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, our team wants every step of your Invisalign experience to be clear, comfortable, and successful. During your regular check-in appointments, we’ll take a look at your aligners, review your cleaning habits, and answer any questions.
- We also help you stay on track with personalized treatment reminders and guidance for keeping your trays in top condition. If something doesn’t seem quite right, our team can make quick adjustments when necessary.
- If you ever lose or damage a tray, don’t panic—just call our office, and we’ll walk you through the next steps, which may include replacing the tray or modifying your treatment schedule slightly to keep your progress moving forward.
A Clear Path Ahead
If you find yourself having issues maintaining your Invisalign, we want to encourage you to communicate with us so we can help! We’re always happy to welcome new patients into our Sycamore office to talk about this incredible treatment option. Our office is also taking new pediatric dental patients with Dr. Sarah Barysenka. Come visit us soon!