For many patients, Invisalign® aligners are a fantastic solution to crooked teeth. For those that are good candidates for clear aligner therapy, treatment delivers impressive results. The trays are barely noticeable, comfortable to wear, and fairly simple to maintain. When undergoing treatment, patients spend the majority of their days (at least 20-22 hours) wearing the trays. As a result, it’s imperative that the aligners are kept clean. In this post, we’ll share some hygiene tips to help patients protect their Invisalign aligners from deterioration and discoloration.
- Always Rinse
- Use Soap
- Give Them a Soak
- Never Use Hot Water
Anytime you remove your aligners, make sure to rinse them with cold water. This will prevent your saliva from building up on the aligner and harboring foul-smelling bacteria.
When you clean your aligners morning and night, reach for a gentle unscented liquid soap instead of toothpaste. Certain toothpastes can be too abrasive for the thin plastic, creating tiny scratches that can house bacteria. Additionally, scratched aligners won’t be quite as clear, making the trays more noticeable when worn. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly so you don’t have a soapy taste in your mouth.
For a deeper clean, soak your aligners in a gentle retainer cleaner, like Retainer Brite®, during meals. Then rinse and gently brush off any residue before placing back in your mouth.
Although you might think that hot water is more effective in killing germs, it’s an absolute no-no when it comes to cleaning your clear aligners. You’ll risk warping the thin plastic tray, rendering the aligner totally useless.
Invisalign at Queensboro Plaza Dental Care
Ready for a straighter smile? Here at Queensboro Plaza Dental Care, we’re proud to offer Invisalign clear aligner therapy in Long Island City. So if you’re interested in perfecting your smile discreetly and efficiently, contact us to schedule a consultation. We’d be thrilled to help you achieve a straighter and healthier smile!
