Cleaning Your Aligners Each Day
We're all familiar with how clear Invisalign® aligning trays are. The clear plastic retainers have been customized to closely fit to your teeth, and other people hardly every notice them. In fact, when placed on a table top or counter, it can be hard to find them – that's how clear they are. But if they aren't cared for properly, their transparency will be affected and so will your smile.
A simple solution for keeping aligners clean is frequent brushing and rinsing. Think you might forget? Try this: For each time you brush your teeth, brush your trays too. Invisalign® aligners can be cleaned using special cleaning "crystals" or tablets (ask our office about these).
To clean your aligners, follow these simple steps:
- Rinse aligners with lukewarm or tepid water. Warm, or hot water can cause the retainers to lose their shape and become uncomfortable, or even unwearable.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and using circular motions, brush all of the surfaces of your aligner. Do not use toothpaste, as the abrasive quality of the paste can affect the invisibility of your aligners. Thoroughly rinse the trays in lukewarm water.
- In case of calcium build-up, soak aligners in a cleaning solution as recommended by our office. Do not soak your retainer in mouthwash, as it can discolor the trays.
Smoking is strongly discouraged, since it can cause discoloration and staining on aligners, just as it does on teeth.
Although the trays are removed to eat and drink, leaving food and debris on your teeth can lead to dental problems, including gum disease. Brushing and flossing each time you eat or drink and before you re-insert your trays prevents debris from being trapped on teeth, causing oral health problems.
If you have any questions about good oral health practices for clear braces, contact our office to speak to one of our friendly dental professionals.
