Posted on July 9, 2019
A Healthy Smile Is A Happy Smile : How To Properly Clean Your Invisalign Aligners
You did it! You made the big, super-smart decision to perfect your smile with Invisalign at Harnick Orthodontics. Now you’re probably wondering about what the best practices are to ensure that your Invisalign smile transformation happens as quickly and effectively as possible! Caring for your Invisalign aligners may be different than caring for traditional braces, but it’s definitely an easier process in many ways. Just get in the habit of cleaning your Invisalign aligners every time you brush your teeth, and you’re already on the road to success!
Here’s what you’ll need:
White toothpaste
Soft-bristle toothbrush or retainer brush
Denture cleaner or retainer cleaner
STEP 1: Rinse your aligners in lukewarm water.
Make sure the water you rinse your aligners in is not too hot or too cold, as this could distort their shape. If you’ve washed your aligners in too hot of water, take them to your orthodontist to make sure that they still fit properly.
STEP 2: Apply toothpaste in small, circular motions inside and out.
You can use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a special retainer brush for this step. To guarantee you clean them properly, brush the inside and outside of your aligners thoroughly.
STEP 3: Repeat Step 1 again!
Remember, if the water is too hot it could soften the plastic of the aligners, so make sure you’re still using lukewarm water only!
STEP 4: Inspect your aligners for calcium deposits.
Aligners, like your teeth, can develop calcium deposits and tartar buildup. This looks like a white film that won’t come off with brushing or lukewarm water. If you notice your aligners have either of these, just soak them at home in denture cleaner or special Invisalign aligner cleaner.
STEP 5: Place them back in your mouth, ir in their case to dry.
And guess what!? You’re already done. That’s it – caring for your Invisalign aligners truly is that simple!
It’s really important to remember to clean your Invisalign aligners often. Not cleaning your aligners properly can lead to foul-smelling breath, which is never fun for anyone. Also, if food particles get stuck in your aligners, it could lead to tooth decay and cavities. And let’s face it, that’s the last thing you want to happen to your teeth. Oh! One more thing: using mouthwash or toothpaste that is any color other than white or clear can stain your plastic, Invisalign aligners. So, it’s always a good rule of thumb to avoid mouthwash in general to clean your aligners and simply stick to white colored toothpaste.
If you have any other questions regarding Invisalign best practices or if you’re ready to get started on transforming your own smile subtly and conveniently through Invisalign, give Harnick Orthodontics a call today – we’re always here for you and your smile!
Cheers,
Drs. David and Kari Harnick
