How Do I Clean My Aligners?

Austin, TX – Most people who choose Invisalign treatment do so because of the discrete nature of the treatment. Invisalign aligners are made from a clear plastic, making them virtually invisible while they are in your mouth. But in order to keep them that way, it is essential to take proper care of them.

“Good oral hygiene practices are always important, and never more so than during orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Silvana Gonzalez, an Austin TX orthodontist with Pure Smiles Orthodontics. “Excellent oral hygiene can ensure your invisible orthodontics stay invisible throughout your time in treatment. Failing to thoroughly clean your Invisalign aligners can cause them to become stained, making them noticeable in your mouth.”

So, how can you keep your aligners and smile clean during your treatment?

1. Always remove your aligners when eating or drinking. The food and drink you consume can stain your aligners. Food particles can get trapped on your aligners, which then gets transferred to your teeth and gums. This leads to bacteria, which leads to tartar. Over time, tartar buildup can lead to gum disease. 
2. Brush and floss your teeth properly. Once way to ensure your aligners stay clean is to ensure your teeth stay clean. Brushing and flossing regularly, including after eating, will prevent bacteria and plaque buildup both on your teeth and aligners. 
3. Keep your trays in a case when they aren’t in your mouth. When eating or drinking, always remove your trays and place them in a case to protect them. This will not only prevent bacteria from possibly getting on the aligners, but it will also ensure you know where the aligners are and don’t accidentally throw them away.
4. Brush your aligners. Buy a separate soft bristled toothbrush to use only for cleaning aligners. Use it with clear, anti-bacterial soap to gently clean your aligners every night. Rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. 
5. Avoid harsh cleaning agents as they can damage the plastic of the aligners. Avoid items such as denture cleaners, toothpaste, mouthwashes, scented soaps, and soaps with dyes. 
6. Avoid using extremely hot water when cleaning your aligners. Hot water can warp the plastic, altering the fit of the aligners.

Invisalign is an increasingly popular way for patients of all ages to straighten their smiles, but the treatment does take dedication and a bit of work on the part of the patient. 

Taking the time to properly maintain your aligners will ensure they remain as undetected as possible throughout your treatment. If you have questions about how to properly care for your aligners, always ask Dr. Gonzalez and Pure Smiles orthodontics team. They will be happy to provide recommendations to help you keep your treatment clean and on track.