How to Look After Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
At Star City Dental, we are proud of the range of treatments we can offer our patients. We believe in offering choices to ensure freedom and greater satisfaction.
For example, Invisalign clear aligners are just one of the clear aligner brands we recommend. We always recommend talking to us about your dental needs, but as quick reminder, here’s a primer on maintaining and cleaning Invisalign clear aligners.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment used to straighten your teeth without metal braces.
Specifically, it refers to custom-made, clear “braces” that cover your teeth and gently pull them into the proper position. These aligners are removable, discreet, and more comfortable than wire braces. Invisalign typically takes up to six months to align your teeth.
What is Invisalign made from?
Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible, clear plastic that does not contain BPA. As such, they’re comfortable, safe, durable, and highly effective.
How can I look after my clear aligners?
Even though you’ll typically only wear a set of trays for a few weeks before moving on to the next set, it’s vital you take care of them during that time.
1. Rinse your trays whenever you take them out
This helps to prevent plaque and saliva from drying on the trays, which can cause stains and discoloring.
2. Avoid using toothpaste to clean your Invisalign clear aligners
Using certain varieties of toothpaste can scratch the resin of your clear aligners, causing discoloration. With a separate soft toothbrush, use a clear, liquid anti-bacterial soap and rinse thoroughly. Talk to our dental team for more specific information.
3. Can I eat or drink while I’m wearing my clear aligners?
You can’t eat, no. Clear aligners aren’t made for chewing and could crack under the pressure, so you need to remove them before having a meal.
Drinking cool water is typically fine, but you should remove your aligners before having alcohol, coffee, or other sugary and/or hot drinks. These can stain or warp the material, or alternatively, fluids may get caught between your aligners and teeth, which could lead to cavities.
4. Brush your trays whenever you brush and floss
Both in the morning and before bed, brushing your aligners (without toothpaste) when you brush your teeth helps prevent bacteria and plaque buildup.
5. Soak your aligners once a day
Soak for about 30 minutes once a day (this could be while you are eating) and be sure to rinse them well before putting them back in your mouth!
6. Brush and floss after each meal
Besides your morning and bedtime brushing routine, you should also brush and floss each time you eat. This should remove any food particles stuck between your teeth and the aligner, preventing the buildup of bacteria.
7. Should I avoid any specific cleaners?
Some cleaners are simply too strong to use on your Invisalign clear aligners. Examples of these are:
- Denture cleaners
- Mouthwashes
- Hot water
By following these simple steps, plus any advice from your dental team here at Star City Dental, you can keep your mouth, teeth, and your trays beautifully clean and free of bacteria.
What about my savings plan?
Have you heard of the Star City Dental savings membership plan?
From lengthy waiting periods to difficulty finding out if a specific service is actually covered, it’s easy to see why dental insurance is confusing and stressful to manage.
Our Star City Dental Savings Program is your stress-free, straightforward solution for affordable, high-performance dentistry.
To discuss any of the information covered in this article, call us today or schedule your appointment now.
We look forward to seeing you. You will find us located on 86th Street, just off Mandarin and Pioneers Blvd near the Firethorn Golf Club in the Southeastern part of Lincoln.
