How to Care for Your Invisalign

January 19, 2022
Maestri Family Dental

It has been said that “you are never fully dressed without a smile.” But, if your smile is less than perfect, there are many options available to you to whiten and straighten that beautiful smile.

One of those widely used options is Invisalign, used to gradually straighten one’s teeth over time in a gentle way.

If you are looking for a reputable and reliable Invisalign provider near you, look no further than Maestri Dental, a gold Invisalign provider in Lafayette, LA!

If you are taking advantage of the Invisalign service or looking to in the near future, there are some things you need to know about keeping them clean and in the best shape.

Let’s go over what Invisalign can do for you and how you can best take care of them!

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a dental service that uses transparent aligners made of thin, flexible plastic to progressively straighten your teeth over time.

These aligners are custom-molded to fit your teeth and mouth, making small changes over time to straighten them without the discomfort and pain associated with metal braces.

Most patients prefer them over braces because they are more comfortable and less bulky in their mouth. Several dental issues can be addressed with Invisalign, such as crooked teeth, large spaces between teeth, overbites, and underbites.

How to Clean Your Invisalign?

Just like your normal teeth, your Invisalign aligners need to be cleaned on a regular basis. However, there are special practices in order to do so.

Though they are technically “disposable” over time, they still require particular cleaning practices.

Rinse your aligners each night with water.
Brush your aligners each night with a soft toothbrush. Use a clear soap without fragrance to remove any food particles that may remain.
Rinse well after brushing.
Save your Invisalign in an air-tight container when you are not wearing them to thwart the growth of bacteria.

What Cleaners Can I Use and Not Use?

There are certain cleaners that you should use and certain ones to stay away from in order to keep your Invisalign in tip-top shape. Of course, Invisalign sells its own specific cleaner product that comes with a tray.

To use this product, you place your aligners in the designated tray, soak them for a few minutes, rinse, then brush them. They also sell cleaning crystals that you can soak your aligners in to clean them properly, as well.

There are other products on the market that can clean your aligners as well, such as effervescent tablets.

However, there are products that you will want to stay away from, as they can degrade the quality of the aligners over time or damage them.

Don’t use any denture cleaners, as they are not made to clean plastic.
Don’t use mouthwashes with alcohol.
Don’t use any scented or dyed cleaners or soaps, as they can penetrate the aligners.
Don’t use toothpaste on your aligners.

Other Practices to Engage in or Avoid to Keep Your Invisalign Clean

When using your Invisalign, cleaning them on a nightly basis removes all bacteria and particles that may remain on them from the day.

Rinsing them each time you take them out can also help clean them temporarily, but rinse them in warm water, as hot water can damage the plastic in the aligners.

Additionally, when you are eating a meal, be sure to remove your aligners or run the risk of food becoming lodged within them, rendering them ineffective.

Lastly, you will want to avoid drinking any beverage other than water with your Invisalign in. The plastic within the aligners can be stained or damaged with other liquids such as sodas, teas, and others.

Invisalign is a great option for patients looking for a gradual shift to a straighter smile. If you have any questions about how to keep your Invisalign clean or additional questions regarding the service as a whole, reach out to Maestri Dental at 337-704-2126.

Our well-trained staff is ready to answer your questions, bringing your confidence back with a beautiful smile!