Invisalign is a discreet way to straighten out your smile. Whether you’ve recently started using Invisalign or are still curious about the process, you’ve come to the right place. One of the most important parts of wearing aligners is the cleaning process. Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about keeping Invisalign aligners clean and what you should (and shouldn’t!) do to achieve the perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an effective and comfortable teeth-straightening option if you’re interested in something other than traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are made from a special material called SmartTrack. This material helps provide a great fit and makes them very comfortable.
A main perk of Invisalign is that it is nearly invisible and does a great job of straightening out your teeth without being too obvious. It has no wires or brackets and is also removable. Invisalign can work more quickly (and comfortably) than braces.
How Does Invisalign Work?
When you use Invisalign aligners to straighten out your teeth, Dr. Johnson will fit you with a series of invisible, removable aligners that will gradually shift your teeth into place. These aligners are custom-fit for your mouth, and during subsequent appointments, Dr. Johnson will fit you with new plates as necessary and monitor your progress.
Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners
Understanding how to clean your aligners is just as important as knowing what you shouldn’t do. When you’re cleaning your aligners, make sure that you:
- Use a soft toothbrush to clean them with.
- Only use approved cleaning agents.
- Brush very gently.
- Thoroughly rinse the trays with cool water.
- Store your aligners in an approved container if you aren’t putting them back in.
Now, here’s what not to do:
- Don’t use scratchy, hard tools like firm toothbrushes for cleaning since they can damage your trays.
- Avoid using denture crystals since they can make your trays cloudy.
- Don’t use any cleaning agents that are scented or dyed.
- Scrubbing too hard can lead to deep scratches.
- Don’t use warm water when rinsing your trays, as this could warp them.
Also, you should never leave your trays outside their case when you’re not wearing them. Improper storage can cause bacterial contamination, and you could lose or damage them.
What Are the Best Types of Cleaning Agents To Use?
Generally, you should stick with unscented, undyed soap or cleansers specifically made for aligners. Vinegar and water solutions can also get the job done.
How To Clean Your Aligners in a Few Simple Steps
You may feel a little unsure about cleaning your aligners, especially the first couple of times. That’s okay. You’ll become a pro after a bit of practice. Once you get the hang of things, this process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.
- First, rinse your trays out with cool water.
- Grab a soft-bristled toothbrush that’s solely for cleaning your aligners.
- Drop a dab of clear, non-colored, unscented soap on the brush.
- Gently brush your aligners and cover the entire surface.
- Rinse your trays and store your aligners or pop them back in.
You don’t need any fancy tools to clean your aligners. You just need to be consistent. However, if you’re interested in trying other products, you could use specially formulated aligner cleaner that helps keep them fresh on the go. Just squeeze a drop of the cleansing solution in your aligners whenever you replace them. If you’re unsure which products are best for your aligners, give Dr. Johnson a call.
The next best way to clean your aligners is by soaking your aligners in a simple vinegar and water mixture for about 30 minutes. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before wearing them again!
Are There Any Tools I Should Avoid While Using Aligners?
While Invisalign aligners are strong enough to straighten out your teeth, they can still easily break or become damaged, especially if you’re not careful when cleansing them. Things you should avoid when cleaning your aligners include:
- Hard bristle toothbrushes – Hard bristle toothbrushes can cause tiny scratches that trap bacteria inside the aligners.
- Toothpaste – Toothpaste is much too abrasive for the polymers in aligners.
- Colorful or scented soap – Yuck! detergents taste awful, and you shouldn’t put them in your mouth anyway.
- Denture crystals – Fizzy powders can damage and cloud up your trays.
- Mouthwash – Dyes found in mouthwash can stain and tint your aligners.
- Hot water – Hot water can cause your trays to bend since they’re made of resin, which can warp if it gets too hot. If your aligners warp, they won’t fit in your mouth correctly anymore.
You should clean your aligners every time you brush and floss. Remember to remove them whenever you eat. Little bits of food that get stuck between your teeth or in your aligners can lead to tooth decay. Not to mention, your aligners may start to smell, so keep them as clean as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about Invisalign aligners.
What Should I Do With My Old Aligner Once I Move Onto the Next Step?
Aligners are usually replaced every two weeks, with each set moving your teeth slightly closer to their final positions. Although moving on to the next phase of treatment usually means getting fitted with a new aligner, don’t throw your old one away! When it’s time to move on, thoroughly cleanse your old aligner and keep it stored in its case. There is always a chance you may need to wear old aligners again, so correctly storing them ensures they are free from bacteria and other residue.
Does Invisalign Cost More Than Braces?
Perhaps you’ve never considered Invisalign aligners because you thought they were more costly than traditional braces. The good news is that, in most cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of braces. Dr. Johnson can help you determine how much your treatment will cost, depending on how much work needs to be done to straighten out your smile.
Can You Sleep With Invisalign Aligners On?
Yes, you can sleep with Invisalign aligners. In fact, you are supposed to sleep with them on because you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day to get the results you want. As you sleep soundly through the night, your Invisalign aligners are hard at work to give you the perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Do Invisalign Aligners Hurt To Wear?
Many people can experience slight discomfort when first using Invisalign. Invisalign aligners place pressure on your teeth to straighten them out and push them into alignment. Feeling tightness in your teeth and mouth at the beginning of this process is completely normal. Fortunately, this should only last a day or two. However, if you’re experiencing more discomfort than you think is normal, reach out to Dr. Johnson. He will make sure everything looks good or make adjustments as necessary.
Are There Things I Shouldn’t Eat or Drink With Invisalign?
If you’re familiar with traditional braces, you’re likely aware of the long list of foods you shouldn’t eat when wearing them. This list of food restrictions is enough to make anyone have second thoughts. The reason for these dietary restrictions is due to the many delicate components that metal braces have. No one wants to prolong treatment because they broke their brackets off while biting into an apple! You’ll be happy to know there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign because you should remove your aligners while eating or drinking. This means you can still enjoy apples, pizza and other crunchy snacks that would otherwise be off-limits. Although there aren’t any real food restrictions with Invisalign, coffee and tea can stain them, so take them out before you indulge in your favorite latte or a glass of iced tea.
How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?
Ideally, you should brush after every meal and before putting in your Invisalign aligners for a few reasons. Whenever you eat, small food particles can get lodged between your teeth. If you aren’t careful to remove them, it can lead to bad breath and cavities. So you should make sure you brush frequently after meals, right before you go to sleep, and first thing in the morning.
How Do I Floss With Invisalign?
You should floss at least once a day. To floss with Invisalign, you’ll need to first remove them from your mouth. Then, you can floss how you normally would.
Invisalign aligners are simple to use and wear, although there are a few steps you should take to keep them in tip-top shape. If you’re in the Salem area and have any other questions about caring for your Invisalign aligners or you’re curious about whether you’re a good candidate for this convenient alternative to braces, give Johnson Family Orthodontics a call. Dr. Johnson and his team are happy to answer any questions you have about the process and help you decide whether Invisalign is right for you. Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation and begin your journey towards the smile of your dreams today.