Easy Tips for Keeping your Invisalign® Clear Aligners Clean

If you've chosen Invisalign® to correct issues with your smile, then you’re probably already aware of many of the benefits Invisalign® has over traditional braces. Invisalign® can correct many of the same orthodontic issues as traditional braces, without some of the cumbersome hassles. For example, if you choose Invisalign® over braces, you won’t have to deal with showing off wires, brackets, and rubber bands every time you smile. For a child, colorful rubber bands and brackets probably aren't a big deal, but for adults who might need braces, it can be huge.

In this case, Invisalign® is a game changer. If you choose this discrete treatment to correct your bite issues, your friends and family probably won’t even notice you’re wearing them. One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign® over braces, however, is that it doesn't limit the foods and drinks you can enjoy. Braces, on the other hand, limit what you can eat and drink because of the hassle of cleaning your teeth when you’re wearing braces.

Cleaning your Invisalign® clear aligners is a breeze, and we’d like to share a handful of tips with you that we've picked up throughout the years we've been offering Invisalign® in Roanoke.

Be Gentle

Invisalign® aligners are made from tough thermoplastic material. They will withstand a great deal of wear and tear, but be gentle with them. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® clear aligners are not made out of metal. To remove any lingering food particles, simply use a soft toothbrush on the aligners. Many Invisalign®-certified dentists recommend using a tiny dab of regular, non-whitening toothpaste if food particles are sticking to your aligners. Be careful to use toothpaste that is not too abrasive, and to be extra careful when you’re scrubbing your aligners; you can scratch the surface, which will make your Invisalign® aligners not-so-invisible.

Soaking Your Aligners

If your aligners begin to smell and the smell persists after using a toothbrush on your aligners, it may be necessary to soak them in a cleaning solution. Please consult with us before you do, as many solutions you’ll read about on the Internet can actually stain your aligners, making them less clear and more noticeable during wear.

Make Sure to Brush and Floss Before Putting Your Aligners Back In

If possible, you should brush and floss your teeth each time you remove your aligners. In fact, the only thing that should change with your oral healthcare routine, if you get Invisalign®, is the few minutes you should spend each day making sure your aligners are clean.

Use these basic tips to keep your aligners clean, but if you have additional questions about the care of your Invisalign® clear aligners, please feel free to contact us.