LET’S KEEP THINGS CLEAR: KEEPING YOUR INVISALIGN® CLEAN

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Keeping Invisalign retainers clean

Convenient and discreet, clear aligners are an increasingly popular option to straighten and perfect smiles without any noticeable appliances. Aligners for an Invisalign touch-up or full Invisalign treatment are made of a custom-fit clear plastic that is nearly invisible. However, if you skip important dental care steps, your aligners and attachments may become stained, and your teeth may be at risk for cavities.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY INVISALIGN TRANSFORMATION

Whether you have braces or aligners, excellent oral hygiene is key for a healthy orthodontic treatment. Aligners perfectly cover the teeth and block saliva from neutralizing cavity-causing food particles. Without proper brushing and flossing, bacteria can get trapped on your smile and lead to problems.

  • Brush your teeth every time you eat: It can be tempting to skip brushing—especially after you’ve just had a small snack—but if you have clear aligners, you are setting yourself up for stains, cavities, and bad breath. Brushing your teeth only takes two minutes but will keep your treatment going smoothly.
  • Use fluoride-based toothpaste: There are many kinds of toothpaste, but we recommend one with fluoride. Fluoride is an important chemical that helps improve your teeth’s defenses against plaque and decay. Ask your orthodontist for toothpaste and even mouthwash recommendations.
  • Avoid acidic beverages: Consuming acidic drinks, such as soda, orange juice, coffee, black tea, or darker beverages, can not only stain your teeth but also darken the tooth-colored attachments that help hold your aligners in place. The acidity can also eat away at your appliances, making the surfaces rougher over time.
  • Clean aligners regularly: To keep your trays in good shape and free of harmful bacteria, you should clean them each time you remove them for eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. You can lightly brush them with liquid soap or toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush under cold or warm water (remember, hot water can warp the plastic!). You can also soak them in retainer cleaner.
  • Do NOT drink with aligners: It may not seem like a big deal but drinking anything other than water with your aligners in can damage both your Invisalign attachments and enamel. The beverage slips between your teeth and aligners, coating your teeth where your saliva cannot wash it away. Then the sugar or acids wear down your teeth, aligners, and attachments, causing staining and plaque build-up.

TALK TO OUR EXPERTS

Our experts at Hutta & Price Orthodontics will make sure you are taking the best care of your smile during treatment. Whether you are looking for braces, clear aligners, or stain-resistant Damon Braces, we will help you find your perfect treatment plan. Call us at 614-855-8800 to find out more!