People love Invisalign. It’s easy to see why. They’re clear, subtle, comfortable – all things that traditional braces can’t claim. However, you may or may not be surprised to hear that your Invisalign trays are, in fact, a tangible object! That means they need proper maintenance to effectively do what they were designed to do. If you’re not paying attention to these five habits, your clear aligners could quickly become quite conspicuous.
#1. Don’t Let Your Invisalign Touch Anything with Color
Maximalism might be coming back into style, but one place you don’t want to find any bright colors is on your Invisalign trays! This is why dentists instruct patients to never, ever eat with their aligners. Colored drinks and dental products will also stain your Invisalign. Take them out whenever you eat anything, and do the same for sodas, wines, and vibrant flavored water. When purchasing toothpaste and mouthwash, stick to what’s transparent.
#2. Please Clean Your Invisalign Trays
You wouldn’t expect your windows to stay clean if you’re not taking care of them, and you shouldn’t expect your Invisalign trays to stay clear if you’re not washing them. Even clear nightguards require cleaning, and they don’t see nearly as much exposure as your Invisalign. Use colorless dental products, but definitely give your trays a gentle scrub twice a day.
#3. Please Also Clean Your Teeth
Since your aligners touch your teeth, it’s also important to keep your teeth hygienic. Tarnished whites will dirty your trays faster than you can say “oops!” Stick to the “brush twice a day and floss once a day” rule, but also rinse out your mouth with warm water after you eat or drink colored beverages.
#4. Store Your Invisalign Trays in Their Case and Only Their Case
If you’re sitting on the couch and take your aligners off to help yourself to some popcorn, don’t set them down on a coffee table! That’s how accidents happen. One moment you’re working a popcorn kernel out from between your teeth, and the next moment your dog mistakes your aligners for a chew toy. Supposing you only find minimal damage, there’s still the fact that bacteria from the table and your dog’s mouth is now on your trays. Gross!
#5. Keep in Touch with Your Dentist
Your dentist can professionally clean your teeth, which will go a long way towards keeping your Invisalign aligners clear. But they can also recommend good products and accessories to help you maintain your trays.
If an accident damages your trays, or if you simply forget you’re wearing them and drink a flashy shade of Powerade, it’s not the end of the world. Your dentist can replace your Invisalign, so you can continue to enjoy their perfectly seamless fit!
About the Author
Dr. Xhelo S. Shuaipaj values education. With his teaching skills, he’ll make sure you’re informed about the best way to maintain your Invisalign aligners. If you have questions or concerns, Dr. Shuaipaj will address them with his warm, welcoming demeaner. To him, there really is no such thing as a dumb question! To contact his office, call 630-968-8439 or explore his website for more information.