Invisalign Care: How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners

30/12/2022

Let’s talk about Invisalign care.

Many people asking about Invisalign in Liverpool today want to know how the treatment option can help correct certain issues they have with their smile. And yes, Invisalign is great for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues.

However, Before you get started with Invisible braces, you need to be aware of how to take regular care of them to get the best out of your treatment.

Invisalign aligners are designed to help transform your smile by correcting different orthodontic issues you might have. The clear aligners are meant to fit your life while transforming your smile. You can still eat your favourite foods, play sports, and go about your daily activities without any interruption from the aligners.

However, one important part most people always neglect is the fact that these aligners need to be cleaned and taken care of. Not knowing how to care for your Invisalign aligners can prevent you from getting a desirable result from the treatment — or prolong treatment time.

In this post, we will take a quick run over Invisalign care: how you can clean it, cleansers to use, how often you should clean, and some best care practices for your Invisalign aligners.

Invisalign vs Traditional Braces

First, let’s consider the major advantage of getting Invisalign in Ormskirk compared to traditional braces. Many people are still at a crossroads, not being able to decide which of the options to go for when looking to improve their smiles.

Well, there are several advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces. Chief among them is the discrete nature of Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually invisible, so they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. That means you can wear them to work or an event without anyone noticing them in your mouth.

Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces because they do not have any sharp or rough edges. They can also be easily removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. With traditional braces, it can be more challenging to clean around the wires and brackets.

Additionally, Invisalign treatment typically requires fewer clinic visits than traditional braces. And it can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, gappy teeth, and misaligned bites.

So, it might just be the right time for you to start considering Invisalign as a viable option to get the dream smile you always wanted. In that case, you might just want to go to Northway Dental Clinic in Liverpool. We are your go-to dentist for Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign Care: Tips for Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners

As we said earlier, it is not enough to get Invisalign; you need to learn how to properly care for the aligners. There are dos and don’ts you need to bear in mind to make the most out of your treatment. Below are some Invisalign care tips you should know:

#1: Brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in

This will help remove any food particles or debris that may be stuck in your teeth. If you leave food in your teeth while wearing your aligners, it can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Additionally, when food particles are left in your mouth, they can decompose and cause an unpleasant smell. By brushing your teeth before putting your aligners back in, you can help freshen your breath.

#2: Rinse your aligners with cold water before placing them back in your mouth

This will help remove any bacteria and plaque that may have accumulated on the aligners while they were out of your mouth.

Bacteria and plaque can build up on the aligners if they are not properly cared for, which can lead to an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay. So, rinsing your aligners with cold water before placing them back in, can help reduce the risk of these oral health issues.

#3: Store your aligners properly at all times

Store your aligners in the case provided when you are not wearing them. This will help protect them from damage and keep them clean. Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners.

Foods and drinks can stain or damage the aligners, and they may not fit properly if they become misshapen. Many foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, can leave stains on the aligners that are difficult to remove.

At the same time, hard or chewy foods can potentially damage or distort the aligners, which can affect the fit and effectiveness of the treatment.

#4: Clean your aligners morning and night

Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap or denture cleaner. This will help remove any plaque or stains that may have accumulated on the aligners.

It is recommended you clean your aligners morning and night. But if you are out during the day and can’t brush, you only need to rinse your mouth with water and use the provided sanitising spray on the aligners.

#5: Soak your aligners in a denture-cleaning solution

Keep your aligners clean by soaking them in a denture-cleaning solution or RetainerBrite aligner cleaning tablets for at least 15 minutes once a week.

#6: Follow your dentist’s instructions for Invisalign care and use

Follow your dentist’s instructions for how often to wear your aligners and how long to wear them each day. This will help ensure that your treatment progresses as planned.

More FAQs about Invisalign Care

How often should you clean your aligners?

It is generally recommended to clean your Invisalign aligners at least once a day. This can help remove any bacteria, plaque, or food particles that may have accumulated on the aligners while they were in your mouth.

To clean your aligners, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Gently brush the aligners on both the inside and outside surfaces, and then rinse them thoroughly with cold water.

By cleaning your Invisalign aligners regularly, you can help ensure that they remain clean and effective throughout your treatment.

Invisalign care: any cleaners to avoid?

When cleaning your Invisalign aligners, it is important to avoid using harsh or abrasive cleansers that could potentially damage or scratch the aligners. This includes products such as bleach, toothpaste with a rough texture, or any other harsh chemicals.

It is also important to avoid using hot water to clean your aligners, as high temperatures can cause the aligners to warp or become misshapen.

Instead, it is recommended to use RetainerBrite or a denture cleaner to clean your aligners. These products are specifically designed for cleaning removable dental appliances and are gentle enough to use on the aligners without damaging them.

Can I play sports with Invisalign?

It is generally safe to play sports while wearing Invisalign aligners, but it is important to take certain precautions to protect your aligners and your teeth.  Below are a few tips for playing sports while wearing Invisalign:

1. Wear a mouthguard: A mouthguard can help protect your teeth and aligners from accidental impact or injury while playing sports.
2. Remove your aligners before playing: If you are playing a contact sport or a sport that involves a lot of physical activity, it may be a good idea to remove your aligners before participating. This will help prevent them from becoming damaged or lost.
3. Keep your aligners in a safe place: If you do need to remove your aligners while playing sports, make sure to store them in a secure place where they won’t be lost or damaged.
4. Wear a strap or band to keep your aligners in place: If you are concerned about your aligners coming out while playing sports, you can wear a strap or band around your head to keep them in place.

Invisalign Care: Don’ts to Avoid with Invisalign Aligners

Here are some things to avoid while caring for your Invisalign aligners:

1. Do not wear your aligners while eating or drinking anything other than water. Foods and drinks can stain or damage the aligners, and they may not fit properly if they become misshapen.
2. Do not clean your aligners with hot water. Hot water can cause the aligners to warp or become misshapen. Use cold or lukewarm water instead.
3. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleansers to clean your aligners. This includes products such as bleach or toothpaste with a rough texture. These can damage or scratch the aligners.
4. Do not leave your aligners out of your mouth for extended periods of time. This can cause your teeth to shift back to their original positions, which can negatively impact the effectiveness of your treatment.
5. Do not bite or chew on your aligners. This can damage the aligners and affect their fit and effectiveness.

By avoiding these habits, you can help ensure that your Invisalign treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible.

Want to learn more about Invisalign or want to get started with treatment? Contact our friendly team on 0151 526 2701 or by using our Contact Form.