Maintaining Your Invisalign

Invisalign in Roseville can help you get an attractive smile, but only if you take good care of them. 

When it comes to straightening your teeth, Invisalign and braces work in a similar way – by applying consistent, gentle pressure that moves each tooth to its desired location. That’s where the similarity ends, though, as Invisalign revolutionizes teeth straightening. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays to move your teeth, for example, whereas traditional braces use a very noticeable series of metal brackets and wires. The plastic used in Invisalign is also quite comfortable, unlike traditional braces.

Invisalign is a powerful tool, but only if the aligner trays are in good working order. Because the aligner trays are disposable, many people think that Invisalign requires no care. Unfortunately for them, a badly-maintained Invisalign tray may become stained or cloudy – poor care may also affect how well the tray straightens your teeth.

Roseville Dentist Provides Tips for Caring for Your Invisalign

Clean your Invisalign every day

One of the biggest benefits of using Invisalign is that the trays are clear. Food and bacteria can stain your Invisalign tray, scratch it, or make it cloudy – and stains, cloudiness, and scratches can make your Invisalign more visible. Unfortunately, leftover food and bacteria can build up quickly inside your mouth, which means the cloudiness or staining can happen rapidly. Food particles and bacteria can also give you bad breath.

Cleaning your Invisalign trays every day can remove food and bacteria before they stain or cloud your teeth aligners. For best result, rinse and clean your aligners first thing in the morning, as bacteria can accumulate inside your mouth as you sleep. 

Use the right kind of cleaner

The best type of cleaner for Invisalign is made specifically for cleaning Invisalign, of course, but retainer cleaners may work too. Using a small amount of gentle, clear unscented liquid soap can work in a pinch too. Avoid using toothpaste, as many types of toothpaste can damage your aligners. 

Rinse your aligners every time you remove them

Rinsing your aligners under lukewarm water every time you take them out helps you get rid of any bacteria that have settled there. 

Soak your Invisalign aligner trays every few days

While frequent rinsing and daily brushing can remove bacteria and food particles sitting on the surface of your aligner trays, soaking can remove stubborn bacteria and stain-causing food that has accumulated inside scratches. Soaking can also keep your Invisalign aligner trays looking fresh and transparent.

For best results, use a soaking solution specifically made to use with Invisalign and use the solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

If soaking solution is not available, you can soak your Invisalign aligner trays in other solutions. White vinegar can remove buildup from your aligners, for example – be sure to dilute one part of white vinegar into three parts water and soak your Invisalign aligner trays for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse your trays well before putting them back into your mouth; a faint vinegar taste and odor may linger, so you may wish to soak them in plain water for a bit.

Soaking your aligner trays in one part hydrogen peroxide diluted into one part barely lukewarm water can help restore trays that have turned yellow or brown.

Dry your Invisalign aligner trays before putting them in your mouth

Bacteria like to grow on wet surfaces, and they thrive in warm, wet, dark places like the inside of your mouth. Be sure to dry your Invisalign trays before returning them to your mouth.

Never expose your Invisalign to excessive heat

Each Invisalign aligner tray has a precise shape that moves teeth in a desired direction – if the tray is deformed even slightly, it may not move the teeth at all. What’s worse, it may actually move teeth in the wrong direction. 

Exposure to heat, either through rinsing your aligner in hot water or by consuming a hot beverage or food, can warp your Invisalign tray. 

Remove your Invisalign tray before eating or drinking anything

Braces may make it hard to eat or drink many of your favorite foods. In fact, there is a long list of foods you cannot enjoy while you are wearing traditional braces. One of the best things about Invisalign is that you can eat or drink anything you like – as long as you remember to take your Invisalign aligner trays out first. Be sure to store your Invisalign trays in a case or other secure area, as the transparency of the aligners can make them hard to see and easy to lose. 

Visit your orthodontist in Roseville as scheduled

Your Roseville dentist can spot problems and suggest solutions to help you keep your Invisalign trays clear and effective. An orthodontist will also assess the progress of your teeth straightening efforts to ensure you get the straightest smile in the shortest time possible.

For more information on the importance of maintaining your Invisalign, and for more tips on how to care for your teeth straightening tray, consult with your orthodontist in Roseville. We understand that you want to get the most out of your teeth straightening, and our Roseville family dentist is glad to help. Contact BB Dental Studio today by calling (916) 742-6737 or book an appointment online.