Rinse and Soak Your Aligners

Every time you remove your Invisalign trays, you should rinse them to get rid of dried saliva and plaque. When they aren’t regularly rinsed, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. The best way to rid your aligners of bacteria and ensure that they’re sanitized is to soak them for 15-30 minutes. The best way to do this is to use a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar, special Invisalign cleaning crystals, or denture cleaner. If you don’t rinse and soak them daily, bacteria buildup could cause harmful oral problems like infections and cavities.

Keep Up with Your Regular Oral Hygiene Routine

Maintaining your oral hygiene routine is the key to avoiding dental decay. After all, getting your straighter smile won’t mean much if you neglect your oral health. Unlike with traditional braces, your dental routine will hardly change during Invisalign treatment—you’ll need to remove your trays in order to brush and floss. Also, be sure to brush and floss before you reinsert your aligners after eating.

Clean Your Aligners

It’s incredibly important to rid your trays of any plaque and tartar so it doesn’t result in bacteria buildup. A good way to do this is to use a soft toothbrush along with clear anti-bacterial soft soap to get rid of any presence of bacteria.  Using anything besides clear soap can cause your aligners to become discolored or cloudy.

Take Your Trays Out Before Eating or Drinking

Eating or drinking anything besides water with your aligners in could cause them to break or discolor. You probably chose Invisalign aligners because they’re practically invisible, but stain-causing foods and drinks can make them cloudy and noticeable. Additionally, if you try to eat or drink with them in, it can cause them to start to smell.

Don’t Leave Your Aligners Out

When you take out your aligners to eat or drink, don’t leave them exposed to the air to collect germs and bacteria. It’s best to bring the case for your trays with you so you can cover them whenever you need to remove them. Not only will this help shield them, but it can also reduce your risk of misplacing and losing them.

You won’t regret skipping the inconveniences of traditional braces when you visit your cosmetic dentist in Hurst for Invisalign. While your aligners will be easier to take care of than braces, it doesn’t mean that there’s no maintenance required. Get your new-and-improved straighter smile while also avoiding the development of oral problems by following these basic tips!

About the Author

Dr. Sara Saremi enjoys giving her patients the confidence they deserve through the power of a happier and healthier smile. She is certified for Invisalign and can’t wait to give you the straighter grin you want without all the hassle of brackets and wires. She understands that you can’t put your life on hold for braces, so why not come in for a consultation to see what Invisalign is all about?  For any questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Cimarron Family Dentistry’s website or contact 817-268-1112.