Caring for Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign aligners are a popular, discreet orthodontic treatment option for people seeking to straighten their teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are made of clear, custom-moulded plastic, which makes them more comfortable and virtually invisible. However, to ensure that your treatment progresses as planned and your aligners remain in good condition, it is crucial to take proper care of them. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your Invisalign aligners and retainers, ensuring they remain clean, effective, and long-lasting throughout your treatment.

Basic Care for Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn for 20-22 hours per day, only removing them when eating, drinking (except for water), brushing, and flossing. To maintain their effectiveness and keep your aligners clean and free from damage, you should follow these simple care instructions.

1. Cleaning Your Aligners

It’s essential to clean your Invisalign aligners regularly to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque. Here’s how to properly clean your aligners:

• Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water: After removing them from your mouth, rinse your aligners under lukewarm water to prevent bacteria and plaque build-up.
• Use a soft toothbrush: Brush your aligners gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and may scratch the surface of the aligners, making them more noticeable and harder to clean.
• Soak aligners regularly: At least once a day, soak your aligners in a cleaning solution designed for clear aligners or orthodontic appliances. Invisalign offers its own cleaning system, but there are also other options available, such as denture cleaning tablets or retainer cleaning tablets. Soaking helps to remove bacteria and stains and maintain clarity.
• Avoid using hot water: Hot water can warp the plastic of your aligners, potentially affecting their fit and effectiveness. Always use lukewarm or cool water.

2. Handling Your Aligners Properly

When handling your Invisalign aligners, be sure to follow these guidelines to prevent damage:

• Wash your hands: Always wash your hands before handling your aligners to avoid transferring dirt, oils, or bacteria onto them.
• Avoid dropping your aligners: Dropping your aligners can cause them to crack or break. Be careful when removing or placing them in their case.
• Use the provided case: When you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in the case provided by your dental provider. This will protect them from dirt, dust, or accidental damage, and will prevent you from losing them.

3. Avoiding Harmful Foods and Drinks

One of the advantages of Invisalign aligners is that you can remove them when eating or drinking. However, there are certain precautions to take to ensure they remain in good condition:

• Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water: Eating or drinking with your aligners in can cause food particles to get trapped in the aligners, leading to plaque build-up and bad breath. Additionally, beverages like coffee, tea, or wine can stain your aligners, affecting their clarity and appearance.
• Avoid sticky foods: Sticky foods such as chewing gum, caramel, or toffee can get stuck to your aligners and be difficult to clean off.

4. Cleaning Your Mouth Before Inserting Aligners

It is important to clean your teeth and gums before reinserting your aligners. This will help prevent food particles and bacteria from being trapped between your aligners and teeth, which can lead to plaque build-up, cavities, or bad breath.

• Brush and floss your teeth: After eating or drinking, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly to remove food particles. This is especially important if you’re wearing aligners while eating, as any food particles left behind can get trapped in the aligners and lead to discomfort or dental issues.
• Use mouthwash: Consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath before reinserting your aligners. However, be sure that the mouthwash does not contain colouring agents that could stain your aligners.

Troubleshooting: What to Do if Your Aligners Become Damaged

Even with proper care, accidents happen. Here is what to do if your aligners or retainers become damaged:

• If your aligners crack or break: Contact your dentist immediately to arrange for a replacement. Wearing cracked or damaged aligners can affect the progress of your treatment.
• If your retainer is damaged: If your retainer becomes cracked, broken, or does not fit properly, inform your dentist right away. You may need a new retainer to ensure your teeth stay in position.

Caring for your Invisalign aligners is an essential part of ensuring the success of your orthodontic treatment and maintaining the results of your straightened teeth. By following these care guidelines, including regular cleaning, proper handling, and careful storage, you will help keep your aligners and retainers in excellent condition, improving both their effectiveness and your overall oral health. If you ever have concerns or questions about caring for your aligners or retainers, do not hesitate to contact our team for guidance.