How to Clean and Care for Your Invisalign Aligners

How Should You Clean Your Invisalign Aligners Daily?

Here are the four steps to clean the Invisalign aligners on a routine basis:

1. Rinse After Removal: Wash to aligners with lukewarm water on removal to clean any plaque buildup or saliva from them. It prevents them from drying and hardening on the plastic.
2. Brush Gently: Avoid using abrasive toothpaste or a normal toothbrush to clean the aligners. They can mark scratches on the aligners, which result in a cloudy appearance. It provides a spot for bacteria. Use antibacterial soap and a soft-bristle brush to clean the inner and outer areas effectively. 
3. Use Mild Cleaners: Prefer using soaps, as the colored ones leave stains on the aligners and an unpleasant taste. After washing with soap, wash them with lukewarm water to wash away soap particles. Harsh cleaners and abrasive toothpaste are also harmful for aligners.
4. Special Cleaning Products: Invisalign cleaning crystals are used to disinfect and clean the aligner deeply. Mix the packet of crystals in water and submerge the aligners in it for 15 minutes. After soaking the aligners, clear them gently before placing them back in the mouth.

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What Foods and Drinks Should You Avoid With Aligners?

Here are the four drinks and foods that need to be avoided with aligners:

1. Hot Beverages: The thermoplastic material of the aligners gets warped with hot beverages like coffee or tea. The shape of the aligners changes, which disturbs the ultimate goal of the aligners. 
2. Sugary or Colored Drinks: The sugar and acids in sodas, juices, and sports drinks can get trapped in aligners and teeth. It gives space for bacterial production, increases enamel corrosion, and cavities the risk. Colored drinks stain the aligners and fade their aesthetics. 
3. Sticky or Chewy Foods: Eating stew or chewy foods while wearing aligners can damage the plastic trays. It marks scratches on the aligners, which appear cloudy. Highly pigmented foods such as beets, berries, and tomatoes can color the aligners just like colored drinks. 
4. Stick to Water: Avoid all other foods and drinks with aligners except water, as it is colorless and odorless.

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How Do You Maintain Oral Hygiene With Invisalign?

Here are the four methods to maintain oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment:

1. Brush & Floss After Meals: Prefer brushing and flossing after every meal to maintain hygiene. This helps remove trapped food particles and prevents the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth. Flossing cleans all of the hard-to-reach areas easily. Preferably, use a soft-bristle brush and medicated toothpaste to clean the aligners.
2. Carry Travel Kit: Carry a travel kit while traveling or at the office to maintain the daily routine of oral hygiene. The kit includes toothpaste, a toothbrush, an aligner case, and floss to ensure cleanliness. 
3. Rinse When Needed: Rinse the aligners thoroughly with water to eliminate any remaining food particles or saliva. It prevents them from drying onto the plastic. Rinsing is a temporary solution; prefer brushing and flossing after every meal. 
4. Regular Check-Ups: Regularly visit the orthodontist to monitor the performance of the aligners and shifting to a new set. The orthodontist ensures that the aligners are working properly, and the patient can also discuss any discomfort or pain. 

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How Should You Store Invisalign Aligners Properly?

Aligners are made from a thermoplastic material that protects them from cracking or scratching. When aligners are removed from teeth for eating or drinking, place them in their case to prevent damage. Avoid wrapping the aligners in napkins or tissues, as there is are chance of disposal. Keep the aligners away from animals or pets, as they chew on them, ultimately making them useless. It also has harmful effects on the health of the patient. The medical-grade plastic is sensitive to heat. Exposure to boiling water, direct sunlight, or hot environments can deform the plastic material. It causes a prominent change in the shape of plastic, disturbing the required pressure on teeth. Wet places provide a breeding ground for bacteria to grow. Preferably, place the aligners in a dry place or dry them thoroughly before placing them back in their case. 

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What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Caring for Invisalign?

Avoid these four mistakes while placing or saving Invisalign aligners:

1. No Hot Water: Avoid exposing the aligners to hot water or beverages while drinking or cleaning the aligners. It warps the thermoplastic of the aligners, changing its shape and fit. A poor fit slows down the treatment process or stops it completely.
2. Skip Abrasive Toothpaste: Abrasive toothpaste or other regular cleaners cause scratching or staining on the aligners. It destroys their aesthetics and also gives a space for bacterial production. Prefer using antibacterial soap, Invisalign cleaning crystals, hydrogen peroxide and water, or vinegar to clean them carefully. 
3. Don’t Eat or Drink with Aligners: Avoid drinking colored or acidic drinks and hard or crunchy foods with aligners. It destroys their shape, increases the chance of plaque buildup, and stains. Sugary and acidic food causes cavities in teeth, which pauses the treatment process. The orthodontist waits for the problem to be sorted out before resuming the treatment. 
4. Never Leave Them Out: Avoid placing the aligners without their cases or wrapping them in tissues. The tissues or napkins are too soft to protect them from wear or accidental pressure. Exposing them to direct air for a long time risks airborne germs, damage, and dust. Aligners need to be worn for about 20-22 hours each day; leaving them out for a longer period disturbs the predicted treatment time..