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For years, braces have been a reliable solution for orthodontic issues. However, they come with disadvantages, like discomfort, difficulties maintaining oral hygiene, and dietary restrictions. Because of that, more and more patients have asked their dentist in Coral Gables for clear aligners instead.
Clear aligners like Invisalign® are an effective alternative to traditional braces that offer a discreet way to straighten teeth. Still, proper care of your aligners is a must to get the most out of them. Failure to do so can cause discoloration in the trays, leaving them unsightly, or lead to damage like fractures and cracks that may seriously put a hamper on your treatment.
In this article, we’ll give you some pointers on how to keep your Invisalign aligners clean, clear, and in excellent condition.
Made of flexible thermoplastic material, Invisalign is the brand name for a thin, clear aligner used in orthodontic treatment. The goal of this product is to reduce the noticeableness of orthodontic treatment without sacrificing its efficacy.
While not totally undetectable, Invisalign aligners fit over your teeth tightly and are far less noticeable than the brackets and wires of traditional braces. They can resolve many problems, such as crowding and spacing issues and mild to moderate bite issues.
However, proper care is key to maintaining their effectiveness.
Clear aligners offer several benefits over traditional braces, which is why more and more patients are opting for them instead.
They are detachable and highly unnoticeable—simply by taking out the trays, you can eat and drink whatever you want. And if you’re about to attend an important event, like a work interview, you can even take them out for a few hours.
However, taking good care of your clear aligners is essential to ensure that your trays stay attractive and your treatment goes according to schedule.
Some people might believe that maintaining the cleanliness of Invisalign is not a big deal because they are disposable—you must replace the trays with a fresh set approximately every two weeks. But wearing dirty aligners is like putting on dirty clothes after a shower.
Unclean aligners can serve as a haven for bacteria, increasing the chances of developing issues like cavities and bad breath. Moreover, inadequate maintenance may also result in discolored or broken aligners.
If your main reason for opting for aligners was to make them less noticeable, having a dark, colored, or broken tray will waste all of your efforts. Because of that, it’s important to follow an appropriate care regimen that allows you to maintain your aligners' optimal state.
Here are some key things to look out for:
The best defense against these issues linked to improper Invisalign treatment is thorough regular tray cleaning. The trays will remain clear, fresh, and germ-free if you follow a routine of washing, brushing, and soaking them.
Start by giving your aligners a quick rinse with lukewarm water. This helps remove saliva and plaque that can accumulate throughout the day. After that, gently brush your aligners with a different soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, scent-free liquid soap.
Steer clear of toothpaste because it can be excessively abrasive and cause scratches, which are perfect places for bacteria to grow. You can use a retainer cleaning solution or Invisalign Cleaning Crystals as an alternative. Soak your aligners on it, and it’ll help remove any stubborn debris.
See your dentist if you are having trouble keeping your aligners clean. They can provide you with additional cleaning tips for your aligners and mouth that are tailored to your particular dental requirements.
Despite their durability, Invisalign is not made to withstand the pressure of chewing. Even if the food is soft, wearing aligners while eating can result in breaks or cracks, so always take your clear aligners to eat.
Failure to do so can lead to breaking a tray, which can seriously postpone your treatment.
Moreover, coffee, tea, red wine, and colored sodas are among the beverages that can discolor your aligners and make them less subtle. That’s why you should take them out before drinking anything besides water.
While you take your Invisalign out to eat, drink, or clean them, make sure to store them correctly in the original case. Otherwise, they could be lost, damaged, or exposed to bacteria.
If you forget the case, don’t fall into the temptation of storing them in a napkin. This can be very easily thrown away or misplaced.
Additionally, never leave your aligners in warm environments like the sun, a hot car, or next to a stove. Overheating can distort the plastic, rendering it useless.
Your dental hygiene directly impacts the cleanliness of your aligners. Maintaining a clean mouth can help prevent plaque buildup and keep your aligners clear.
Brush your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back in. If you drink coffee or sugary drinks, make sure to rinse your mouth afterward. This prevents food particles from becoming trapped between your teeth and the aligners, lowering the risk of cavities, bad breath, and discoloration.
To get rid of those particles that brushes cannot reach and keep your mouth in shape, flossing daily is also essential.
While it may be tempting to clean your aligners with strong cleaning products like mouthwash or bleach, these products may actually cause more harm than good.
Bleach or harsh chemicals may damage the plastic in your aligners, making them brittle and less functional. Furthermore, they may leave behind dangerous residues that you should not put in your mouth.
Other cleansers that may be too harsh or damaging to use on your Invisalign aligners are denture cleaners, mouthwashes that contain alcohol, scented soaps, which can easily start to taste bitter, and toothpaste. As they are intended for disposal, they are typically not resistant to aggressive cleaning techniques like using very hot water or abrasive brushes.
Additionally, avoid colored soaps, as they can tint your aligners, making them stand out more.
Make it a habit to inspect your aligners regularly. This will help you to identify possible problems like cracks, rough edges, or noticeable discoloration before they become serious.
Small fissures can quickly get worse over time. If you observe any damage, notify your orthodontist right away to avoid treatment delays.
Your aligners should also fit snugly over your teeth without any noticeable gaps. If they feel loose or uncomfortable, see your orthodontist to ensure your treatment is proceeding as planned.
Regular dental check-ups are essential during your Invisalign treatment, as your dentist will monitor your progress and ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. When you conduct them, it is important to bring your trays alongside you.
This will allow us to look for any damage and check that your aligners are fitting correctly. If they’re not, we may need to make some necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
We will also gauge the overall condition of your mouth and may suggest professional cleanings if we consider you’ve been failing to maintain oral hygiene.
You should never smoke while using an Invisalign retainer. Smoking ruins and discolors your retainer. Additionally, tobacco and nicotine can lodge between your teeth and retainer, causing tooth decay.
Research has indicated that smoking is a major cause of dental caries. First, it lessens saliva production, which is essential for eliminating food particles and counteracting bacteria's acids.
Too little saliva makes it easier for bacteria and plaque to accumulate, which raises the risk of tooth decay. Furthermore, the tar and nicotine in cigarettes adhere to your teeth, encouraging the buildup of tartar and plaque.
Quitting smoking is a must if you want to improve your oral health and protect your Invisalign aligners.
To prevent harm, it’s important to handle your clear aligners with care. Avoid bending or twisting them, and store them in containers that don’t force them to shift their shape. If they do it, this may affect its effectiveness.
Maintaining the effectiveness and comfort of your treatment depends heavily on how well you take care of your Invisalign clear aligners. To guarantee that your orthodontic treatment is proceeding as planned, here are some care tips you need to consider.
Moreover, showing up for all of your scheduled appointments is also crucial. So, if you’re due for a dental visit at Coral Gables Dentistry, reach out! We’ll track your orthodontic progress and address any necessary concerns.
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
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