How to Clean and Care for Your Invisalign Aligners
Countless teens and adults have undergoing Invisalign® treatment for crooked teeth and poor dental alignment. Thanks to these clear plastic Invisalign trays, our Long Island, NY patients are able to experience the benefits of orthodontic treatment without unsightly brackets or wires.
While undergoing Invisalign treatment, proper oral hygiene is key. Dr. Louis J. Buono and the Garden City Smiles team would like to offer tips on cleaning Invisalign aligners. This should give you a good idea of the effectiveness and convenience of this dental treatment.
Why Cleaning Invisalign Aligners Is Crucial
In order for Invisalign treatment to be effective, the aligner trays must stay in place roughly 20 to 22 hours a day. That’s a lot of contact with your teeth. If the aligners are not cleaned, that could increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and could also lead to stains on the aligners that would make them visible. Practically speaking, cleaning your Invisalign aligners will also keep your breath fresh.
So as you can see, it’s just common sense to keep your Invisalign aligners clean.
How Often Should I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
You should clean your Invisalign aligners at least twice a day. This is similar to keeping your teeth and gums fresh and clean. If you want to be on the safe side, you should clean them more often as needed.
Remove Invisalign Aligners When You Clean Your Teeth
You can’t get your Invisalign aligners clean if you keep them in. We tell our Long Island Invisalign patients that all surfaces of the aligner tray need to be cleaned in order to ensure good oral hygiene throughout the treatment process.
Cleaning the Aligners with Toothpaste and a Toothbrush
To clean your Invisalign aligners, use a toothpaste and toothbrush. With the aligner tray out, be sure to thoroughly scrub and polish the surfaces of the aligner tray. Once you have thoroughly scrubbed the aligner, run it under clean water to rinse it off and put it back in place.
Ideally, use a non-abrasive gel toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. It’s simple and straightforward.
Should I Use Mouthwash or Denture Cleaner on my Aligners?
No, this is typically not necessary. Mouthwash should just be used in the mouth rather than the trays, and some denture cleaners could lead to discoloration of the aligners.
A gentle but thorough cleaning with a toothbrush and toothpaste is usually enough for most patients. If you have any concerns about cleaning your aligners, we can discuss them with you and make suggestions as needed.
Oral Hygiene and Cleaning Between Meals and Snacks
You are instructed to take out your Invisalign aligners whenever you eat or drink any beverage other than water. When you put your Invisalign aligner back in, it is not always necessary to brush it clean. A simple rinse with clean water should suffice unless you do need to give the tray a thorough cleaning. You should brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligner tray back on, however, just to be on the safe side.
Should I Clean a New Aligner Before Putting It On?
When putting on a brand new aligner, it’s usually not necessary to clean it thoroughly. Give it a rinse with clean water and feel free to slip it into place.
Contact Garden City Smiles
To learn more about Invisalign treatment and what patients can expect from the process, we encourage you to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. You can reach us in Long Island by phone at (516) 294-0375.
