Invisalign therapy is the new way to have the perfect smile without going through the hassle of conventional braces. These almost invisible aligners are miracles when straightening teeth, but daily care is essential for them to work. Whether you’re a newbie to Invisalign or have been wearing your trays for a while now, good care habits can be the difference between good and excellent outcomes.
In this guide, we will share seven significant tips to maintain your Invisalign trays for maximum effectiveness.
7 Tips to Maintain Your Invisalign Trays for Maximum Effectiveness
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Clean Your Trays Regularly
Your Invisalign trays must be kept clean so you can keep your mouth clean and prevent a build-up of plaque. With their long wear period each day, however, bacteria, food debris, and stains all too often get their start here.
How to Clean Your Trays Correctly?
- Rinse them out using lukewarm water when you remove them.
- With soap and a gentle soft toothbrush (not the same one as for your everyday cleaning), clean them gently.
- Do not use toothpaste, as this will scratch them.
- Crystals or denture cleaners specifically designed for Invisalign or normal dentures are more suitable for a deeper clean.
- Never use warm water, which will warp the trays and compromise their fit.
By keeping up an everyday cleaning routine, your aligners will be clear, clean, and active at moving teeth.
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Remove Your Trays Before Drinking or Eating
One of the best tips for keeping your Invisalign trays clean is to remove them before eating and drinking anything other than water. Staining food and colored beverages will stain the trays and cause bacteria to form.
Why is it Important?
- Drinking with aligners can destroy their shape and create cracks.
- Coffee, tea, and wine can stain the clear plastic, causing it to be noticeable.
- Sugary and acidic drinks can penetrate the trays and cause tooth decay.
Always put your aligners in their case during meals, and brush your teeth before you replace them to keep them in a fresh and clean condition.
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Keep Your Trays in Their Case When Not in Use
You will simply lose or destroy your Invisalign trays if you do not store them correctly. It is common for patients to thoughtlessly throw them away or lose them in napkins.
Best Practices:
- Keep your Invisalign case with you and store the trays in a secure location when you eat.
- Never roll them up in tissues or paper towels because it’s likely that they will get mistaken for trash.
- Store them out of reach of your pets—dogs, especially enjoy munching on aligners!
By storing them securely in a hard case, you reduce the risk of loss, contamination, and unintended damage.
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Brush and Floss Before Reinserting Your Trays
Good dental hygiene is important when wearing Invisalign because the tight fit of the trays over your teeth means that any remaining food particles or plaque are trapped and can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Precautions to Take:
- Brush using fluoride toothpaste after meals.
- Floss or water floss between teeth.
- Rinse with mouthwash to kill bacteria before putting it back in your aligners.
Brushing your teeth keeps your aligners clean and your treatment on track.
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Avoid Using Harsh Cleaning Agents
Certain cleaning agents seem like a good idea to sanitize your trays, but they might end up causing more harm than good.
What Not to Do:
- Bleach and harsh chemicals will weaken and color the aligners.
- Alcohol-containing mouthwash will dry and dehydrate them.
- Whitening toothpaste will scratch the surface and cause it to become cloudy.
Use gentle soap, Invisalign cleaning crystals, or a white vinegar and water solution for a safe and gentle clean.
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Wear Your Aligners for the Time Recommended
Invisalign trays function optimally when worn for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day. Wearing them less than this will hinder your progress and prolong your treatment.
Tips for Being Consistent:
- Place reminders on your phone to reinsert them after meals.
- Remove them only when needed (eating, drinking, brushing, or cleaning).
- Monitor your wear time using Invisalign apps or a treatment journal.
By following your aligner wear as directed, you stay on track with treatment and achieve the optimal result.
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Switch to New Trays on Schedule
Your Invisalign procedure involves a replacement to a new tray every one to two weeks depending on your orthodontist. Failure to change can slow you down.
How to Stay on Track:
- Put tray change dates on your calendar.
- Utilize phone reminders to remind you when it’s time to do the next set.
- Keep all the old aligners in reserve in case you need to reverse.
Following your orthodontist’s schedule enables your teeth to move as scheduled, and you receive the outcome you desire in the shortest period.
Maintaining your Invisalign trays is as important as wearing them on a daily basis. By following these seven most important tips to maintain your Invisalign trays, you’ll have clean, clear, and effective trays throughout your treatment process.
A well-maintained Invisalign treatment ensures not only an easy experience but also faster, more dramatic results. Adhere to these best practices, and you’ll be on your way to your dream smile!
Are you currently undergoing Invisalign treatment or getting ready to start? Which of these maintenance tips is most helpful to you? Let us know in the comments below!
