Invisalign aligners are an excellent way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of traditional braces, but getting the best results requires proper care and maintenance. From cleaning to storage, taking care of your aligners is key to keeping them effective and your teeth on track. Here’s how you can maintain your Invisalign aligners for optimal results and a beautiful, straight smile.
1. Clean Your Aligners Daily
Just like your teeth, your Invisalign aligners need regular cleaning. Plaque, bacteria, and food particles can build up quickly. Cleaning your aligners every day will keep them clear, odor-free, and functioning properly.
How to Clean: Gently brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid toothpaste—it’s too abrasive and could scratch the aligners. For a deeper clean, try Invisalign cleaning crystals or a special retainer cleaner.
What NOT to Do: Never use hot water! Heat can warp the aligners, leaving you with a less-than-perfect fit.
2. Brush and Floss Before Re-Inserting Your Aligners
Before putting your aligners back in after eating or drinking (except water), make sure you brush and floss your teeth. This prevents trapping food particles or sugar under the aligners, which can lead to decay or staining. If you’re unable to brush right away, at least rinse your mouth and the aligners with water until you can clean them properly.
3. Remove Aligners Before Eating or Drinking
Always take your aligners out before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with your aligners in can damage them, and colored or sugary drinks can stain or cause bacteria buildup. Keeping them out during meals ensures they stay in great condition. Don’t forget to store them in their case when they’re out of your mouth!
4. Store Aligners in a Protective Case
Speaking of your aligner case, never leave home without it! When your aligners aren’t in your mouth, they should always be in their case. This keeps them safe from damage, dirt, and those unfortunate “oops, I threw them away” moments. Trust us—keeping them in the case will save you from a lot of stress (and potential replacement costs).
5. Wear Them for 20-22 Hours Per Day
For Invisalign to work effectively, you need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours each day. This means you should only remove them when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Consistency is key—if you don’t wear them long enough, your treatment could be delayed.
6. Keep Up With Regular Checkups
Here’s the deal: Invisalign only works if you wear the aligners. The magic number is 20-22 hours a day. That means only taking them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. The more consistent you are, the quicker your treatment will go. If you slack off, you’ll just delay your progress. So, keep them in for the majority of the day, and your future smile will thank you!
7. Stick to the Schedule
Switching to new aligners as directed is crucial to keeping your teeth shifting as planned. Each set is designed to gradually move your teeth, and sticking to your dentist’s schedule will make sure you stay on track. Don’t get lazy—set a reminder on your phone if you have to!
Invisalign Care at Growing Smiles Pediatric and Family Dentistry
Maintaining your Invisalign aligners is crucial for getting the best results and a beautiful smile. At Growing Smiles Pediatric and Family Dentistry, with offices in Voorhees, Mount Laurel, and Cherry Hill, NJ, our team is here to guide you through every step of your Invisalign journey. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about Invisalign and how to keep your treatment on track!