How To Care For Your Invisalign Aligners? Do’s And Don’ts

A straighter smile without the hassle of metal braces? Possible! With Invisalign aligners. But while these clear trays offer convenience and aesthetics, improper care can lead to discoloration, bad odors, and even oral health issues. Want to keep your aligners crystal clear and odor-free? Follow these do’s and don’ts to get the best results from your Invisalign treatment.

Why Invisalign Care Matters?

Your Invisalign aligners stay in your mouth 22 hours a day, making them prone to bacteria buildup, staining, and odors. Studies show that over 50% of Invisalign users experience aligner discoloration due to improper cleaning habits. Proper care ensures:

• Hygiene: Prevents plaque buildup and bad breath.
• Clarity: Keeps your aligners looking invisible.
• Effectiveness: Ensures your treatment stays on track.

Do’s: Best Practices for Invisalign Care

1. Clean Your Aligners Daily

Plaque and bacteria can accumulate on your trays. Clean them every morning and night with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap. Avoid toothpaste, as it can scratch the plastic.

2. Rinse Aligners Before Wearing

Always rinse your aligners with lukewarm water before putting them in your mouth to remove bacteria and saliva build up.

3. Store Aligners in Their Case

When not in use, keep your aligners in their protective case to prevent damage, contamination, or accidental loss.

4. Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

For a deep clean, soak your clearcorrect aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner for 15-20 minutes a few times a week.

5. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss after every meal before reinserting your aligners to prevent food particles from getting trapped, which can cause cavities and bad breath.

Don’ts: What to Avoid to Keep Your Aligners in Top Shape

1. Don’t Eat or Drink (Except Water) with Aligners On

Coffee, tea, and other beverages can stain your aligners, while hot liquids may warp the plastic. Always remove them before eating or drinking anything other than water.

2. Don’t Use Toothpaste for Cleaning

Toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can scratch your aligners, making them cloudy and more noticeable.

3. Don’t Leave Aligners Exposed

Leaving aligners out in the open exposes them to bacteria and potential damage, which can affect oral health. Always use the provided case for storage.

4. Don’t Use Colored Mouthwash or Soaps

Colored mouthwashes and scented soaps can stain or leave a residue on your aligners, affecting their clarity. Stick to clear, non-abrasive cleansers.

5. Don’t Skip Aligner Changes or Wear Time

Wearing your aligners for less than 22 hours per day or delaying tray changes can slow down your progress and extend your treatment time.

Keep Your Invisalign Aligners in Perfect Shape!

Taking care of your Invisalign aligners doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to these simple do’s and don’ts, and your clear aligners will remain invisible, odor-free, and effective. A well-maintained set of aligners ensures a faster and more comfortable journey to a perfect smile!

Ready for a flawless smile? Start caring for your aligners the right way today! Contact our dentist asap.