Taking good care of your aligners is incredibly important. If you look after your aligners, you’ll maximize your treatment results, lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and reduce the chances of needing repairs or replacements. Ready to master the art of aligner maintenance? Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
Understanding Invisalign Aligner Care Basics
Your aligners have been designed and developed just for you. They’re tailor-made to fit comfortably in your mouth and precisely move your teeth into the correct position. You can’t simply grab new aligners off the shelf, so it’s vital that you look after them!
Your orthodontist has set you on the road to success, but getting that perfect smile also requires you to be totally on board with your treatment regimen. You’ll need to commit to wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours each day, and you should follow a thorough cleaning and maintenance routine. Understanding how to correctly remove and insert your aligners will also help to keep them in good shape.
Importance of Cleanliness
Regular cleaning of your aligners will not only extend their lifespan, saving you time and money getting frequent replacements, but it’s also essential for good oral health. When you keep your aligners, teeth, and gums clean, you’re providing the perfect environment for optimal tooth movement, you’ll have fresh breath, and a reduced risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Essential Invisalign Aligners Care and Cleaning Tips
Let’s break down the basics of keeping your aligners pristine.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Follow these steps every day so it becomes part of your daily routine…
- Rinse after removal
- Brush gently
- Use lukewarm or cold water
- Pat dry before storing
DO
Use approved cleaning methods – Effective cleaning options include:
- Invisalign cleaning crystals
- Gentle soap solution using unscented soap
- Specialized cleaning systems
- Clear antimicrobial rinse
- Specialized aligner cleaners
DON’T
Use anything that could damage your aligners.
Common Cleaning Mistakes
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, avoiding these mistakes is crucial for successful treatment.
Avoid:
- Colored and scented soaps
- Hot water
- Harsh chemicals
- Abrasive brushes
- Toothpaste (too abrasive)
- Colored mouthwash
- Bleaching agents
- Denture cleaners
High temperatures can also damage aligners, so as well as avoiding hot water, never leave your retainer in direct sunlight, for example on your car dashboard, or exposed to direct heat.
Proper Storage Habits
Keep your aligner safe and in good condition by taking extra good care of it when you’re not wearing it. It can be tempting to wrap your aligner in a napkin while you’re eating. It’s convenient and discreet, but it’s also very common for aligners to end up in the garbage when they’ve been wrapped up like this! Keep a case with you and you’ll always be able to store your aligners correctly.
Morning and Evening Care Routines
Establish consistent habits for best results. You could print out this list and pin it somewhere prominent, so you don’t forget any steps!
Wake-up Maintenance
Start your day right:
- Remove aligners
- Rinse thoroughly
- Brush teeth
- Clean aligners before reinserting
Bedtime Cleaning Protocol
End-of-day care:
- Deep clean aligners
- Brush and floss teeth
- Final rinse
- Proper storage
Between-meal Care
Regular maintenance:
- Quick rinse after drinking
- Clean before reinserting
- Store properly during meals
- Track wear time
Long-term Maintenance Strategies
Think beyond daily care.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Give your aligners an extra-deep clean on a weekly basis and be sure to schedule appointments with your orthodontist for detailed aligner checks and to ensure ideal tooth movement.
Replacement Timing
Get to know how your aligner looks and feels so you can monitor for signs of wear, discoloration, damage, or fit issues. Any problems, then get in touch with your orthodontist. An expert orthodontist, such as Dr. Matthew Durschlag of San Diego Smile Pros, will be able to check for any issues and find an effective solution.
Conclusion
Mastering Invisalign aligners care and cleaning isn’t just about maintenance – it’s about ensuring the success of your treatment. By following these guidelines and establishing good habits, you’ll keep your aligners clean and effective throughout your smile transformation journey.
San Diego residents can depend on Dr. Durschlag from San Diego Smile Pros to deliver the highest-quality orthodontic treatment. Dr. Matthew Durschlag is a board-certified orthodontist with a wealth of experience and a whole host of happy clients with beautiful smiles. His specialist skills ensure the successful treatment of even the most complex conditions, including all types of orthodontics, Invisalign, clear and metal braces, lingual braces, TADs (temporary anchorage devices), fixing open bites, crowding, overbites, surgical cases, and more!
Check out our reviews on Yelp and Google and discover our success stories!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Clean your aligners thoroughly at least twice daily, morning and night, plus quick rinses throughout the day after drinking water.
Can I use toothpaste to clean my aligners?
No, toothpaste is too abrasive and can damage aligners. Use specialized cleaning solutions or gentle soap instead.
What’s the best way to store aligners when not wearing them?
Always use your official Invisalign case, keeping aligners clean, dry, and away from heat or direct sunlight.
How do I remove stains from my aligners?
Use Invisalign cleaning crystals or approved cleaning solutions. Avoid colored or harsh chemicals that might damage the aligners.
Should I clean my aligners every time I remove them?
At minimum, rinse aligners with cool water every time you remove them, and clean thoroughly before reinserting.
What temperature water should I use to clean my aligners?
Use only lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can warp the plastic and affect the fit of your aligners.
