How to Care for Your Invisalign^® Aligners

Have you heard about all the benefits offered by Invisalign? Like traditional braces, Invisalign gradually shifts teeth into place. But because Invisalign involves using clear plastic aligners instead of brackets and wires, it’s much more comfortable and discreet. And since the aligners can be removed when needed—for example, when you’re eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, or playing an instrument or a sport—Invisalign is also considerably more convenient.

Invisalign is undoubtedly a great option for many individuals who are looking to correct minor orthodontic issues such as bite problems and crooked, gapped, spaced, or crowded teeth. But in order to achieve the best possible results from this treatment, it’s critical that you properly care for your aligners. Here are some tips for how to do so:

Regularly Clean Your Aligners

To keep your aligners clear, odor-free, and germ-free, you’ll need to clean them each night. Invisalign sells a cleaning system that includes cleaning crystals and a cleaning tub. Once you’ve rinsed your aligners under tap water, place them into the tub, fill the tub with warm water until they’re immersed, add a packet of crystals, and dissolve the crystals by gently shaking the tub for about 20 seconds. Let the aligners soak for at least 15 minutes, then gently shake the tub for another 20 seconds, and rinse both the aligners and the tub.

If you don’t have access to the Invisalign cleaning system, you can also use lukewarm water, a soft toothbrush, and mild, nonabrasive toothpaste to gently clean your aligners. Once you’ve finished brushing the aligners, rinse and dry them before putting them back into your mouth.

Take Your Aligners Out When Needed

As was noted above, Invisalign aligners can be removed when you’re performing certain activities, such as eating and drinking. Not only does removing them make things easier for you, but it also helps protect the aligners from potential damage (for example, damage caused by food particles). Take your Invisalign case with you when you leave the house so that you have somewhere to put your aligners. Or, if you don’t have the container handy, you can store your aligners in a glass of water until you’re done. Be sure to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in.

Avoid Smoking

Before agreeing to administer Invisalign treatment, a dentist will probably ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle and habits, including whether you smoke. This is because nicotine can stain the aligners. So, be sure to not smoke while you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment.

An Experienced Invisalign Dentist Near You

If you’re interested in undergoing Invisalign treatment, the next step will be finding a qualified dentist offering that service. Luckily, if you’re in Sun City, Sun City West, Litchfield Park, or a nearby community, you can confidently turn to Burns Dentistry. Our skilled team possesses 100+ years of combined experience, and we proudly offer a wide array of general and cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign treatment.

Contact Burns Dentistry today to schedule a free initial consultation. We look forward to telling you more about our practice, our Invisalign service, and what we can do to help you achieve your dental goals.