Top 5 Do's and Don'ts for Invisalign Maintenance
March 25, 2024

Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts for Invisalign Maintenance

By cleaninvisalign

Learn the top 5 do’s and don’ts for maintaining your Invisalign clear aligners, including proper cleaning and care instructions from your dentist.

Do: Brush and floss regularly

Brushing and flossing regularly is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, especially when you are undergoing Invisalign treatment. To ensure the effectiveness of your Invisalign aligners, it’s important to keep your teeth clean and free from food particles and plaque. This will not only prevent cavities and gum disease, but it will also help your aligners stay clear and free from bacteria.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is crucial. Pay special attention to the areas around your attachments and along the gum line. Flossing should also be done once a day to remove any food debris and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline.

Remember to brush and floss before re-inserting your Invisalign aligners after meals. This will prevent food particles from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which can lead to bacterial growth and potential tooth decay. By following these simple steps, you can maintain good oral hygiene and ensure the success of your Invisalign treatment.

Don’t: Eat with Invisalign in

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to Invisalign maintenance is to avoid eating while wearing your aligners. This is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, food particles can easily get trapped in your aligners, leading to potential cavities or other dental issues. Additionally, eating with your aligners in can cause them to become discolored or stained, impacting the overall appearance of your smile. Avoiding eating with Invisalign in will help ensure that your aligners remain in good condition and that your oral health is not compromised.

Additionally, eating with your aligners in increases the risk of damaging them. Cracking or breaking your aligners can lead to treatment delays and additional costs. It’s best to remove your aligners before eating and properly clean your teeth before putting them back in. This will help to maintain the integrity of your aligners and ensure that your treatment stays on track.

Another reason to avoid eating with Invisalign in is to prevent any unnecessary pressure on your aligners. Chewing and biting while wearing your aligners can cause them to become misshapen or warped, impacting their ability to effectively straighten your teeth. By removing your aligners before eating, you can help maintain their shape and ensure that they continue to fit properly.

Ultimately, the best way to care for your Invisalign aligners is to follow the guidelines provided by your dentist. This includes removing your aligners before eating and ensuring that you clean them properly before putting them back in. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can help ensure that your Invisalign treatment is successful and that you achieve the results you desire.

Do: Clean aligners daily

One of the most important aspects of maintaining your Invisalign aligners is to clean them daily. This is crucial in order to prevent the build-up of bacteria and plaque, which can lead to dental issues and a less effective treatment. You should gently brush the aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse them with lukewarm water every day. It’s also important to soak the aligners in a denture cleaner or specialized Invisalign cleaning crystals to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.

Not cleaning your aligners daily can lead to discoloration, odors, and an increased risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Additionally, failing to clean your aligners can result in a less comfortable fit and may affect the overall effectiveness of your treatment. Consistently maintaining a clean set of aligners will not only contribute to better oral health, but also ensure that you achieve the desired results from your Invisalign treatment.

Aside from cleaning your aligners daily, it’s also important to store them properly when they are not being worn. Store them in their case when not in use to prevent damage or loss. Furthermore, be sure to keep up with your regular dental hygiene routine by brushing and flossing your teeth after meals before reinserting the aligners.

By following these do’s and don’ts for Invisalign maintenance, you can ensure that your treatment progresses smoothly and that your oral health remains in optimal condition throughout the process. Remember, maintaining clean aligners is not only important for the success of your treatment, but also for the health of your teeth and gums in the long run.

Don’t: Use hot water to clean

When it comes to cleaning your Invisalign aligners, it’s important to remember that hot water should not be used. Hot water can distort the shape of the aligners, which can affect the way they fit on your teeth and potentially hinder the straightening process. It’s best to stick to using lukewarm water for rinsing and cleaning your aligners to ensure that they maintain their shape and continue to work effectively.

Using hot water to clean your Invisalign aligners can also lead to the buildup of bacteria and germs, as hot water may not be as effective at removing these harmful substances from the aligners. By using lukewarm water and a gentle aligner cleaner, you can ensure that your Invisalign remains clean and bacteria-free, promoting oral health and overall wellness.

Another important reason to avoid using hot water to clean your Invisalign aligners is that it can affect the materials that make up the aligners. Hot water can cause the plastic to become brittle over time, leading to potential damage or breakage of the aligners. By following the manufacturer’s guidelines and using only lukewarm water for cleaning, you can prolong the lifespan of your Invisalign aligners and ensure that they continue to serve their purpose effectively.

In summary, it’s essential to remember that hot water should be avoided when cleaning your Invisalign aligners. By using lukewarm water and following the manufacturer’s instructions, you can keep your aligners in top condition and maintain oral health throughout your alignment process.

Do: Follow dentist’s instructions

When it comes to Invisalign maintenance, it’s essential to follow the instructions provided by your dentist. Your dentist knows the specifics of your treatment plan and can provide personalized guidance for optimal results. Whether it’s wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time each day or switching to a new set of aligners as scheduled, following your dentist’s instructions is crucial for the success of your treatment.

Ignoring your dentist’s recommendations can lead to setbacks in your progress and may prolong the overall treatment time. Your dentist’s instructions are based on their expertise and experience in orthodontic care, so it’s important to trust their guidance throughout your Invisalign journey.

In addition to wearing and changing your aligners as directed, your dentist may also provide specific cleaning and care instructions for your aligners. This can include using the recommended cleaning products, avoiding certain foods or drinks while wearing your aligners, and knowing when to remove them for special occasions.

By adhering to your dentist’s instructions, you can ensure that your Invisalign treatment stays on track and delivers the desired results. Remember, your dentist is there to support you and help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile, so following their guidance is a key part of the process.