Those who want to straighten their teeth discreetly can choose Invisalign® treatment at our Grant Park dental office. If you’ve chosen this orthodontic treatment, it’s important to know how to protect your investment by cleaning and caring for your aligners properly. Here, Dr. Abbey Lee and our Atlanta dental team offer some advice for keeping your Invisalign trays in tip-top shape.

Want to know if Invisalign is right for you? Schedule an appointment at our Grant Park office by calling 404-328-7177.

#1: Rinse your aligners.

Every time you take out your Invisalign trays, rinse them under lukewarm water. This helps prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria. You should never rinse them under hot water, as it can warp and distort the aligners.

#2: Brush your Invisalign trays.

Your aligners need to be brushed just like your teeth. However, we don’t recommend using toothpaste. Instead, put a little bit of antibacterial soap on a soft-bristled toothbrush. This helps clean the trays without the harsh abrasives found in many kinds of toothpaste. Just be sure to choose a clear soap; dyed soap can discolor the Invisalign trays over time. Once you’re finished brushing the trays, rinse them thoroughly under lukewarm water.

#3: Soak the aligners daily.

Soaking your trays every day helps ensure that they are as clean as possible. We recommend using a denture cleanser or Invisalign cleaning crystals. (Avoid soaking your trays in mouthwash, especially those that contain alcohol.) Once they’re finished soaking, use a toothbrush to remove any residual plaque or tartar. (Just make sure the toothbrush isn’t the same one you use to brush your teeth.) Remember not to soak the trays too long. They must be worn for at least 22 hours every day to be effective.

#4: Store your aligners properly.

When you’re not wearing your aligners, be sure to store them in your designated case. Leaving them out could lead to more bacterial buildup. Furthermore, keeping them in a case reduced the likelihood of losing them.

#5: Don’t eat or drink while wearing your Invisalign trays.

The only thing that should pass through your lips while wearing your aligners is water. The trays are not intended to be worn during meals, and doing so could permanently damage them. In addition, eating with the trays in can trap food particles and debris between the aligners and your teeth. This can lead to decay, gum disease, and other dental issues.

#6: Don’t forget about your teeth and gums.

It’s important to clean your Invisalign trays, but it’s just as important to practice good oral hygiene. After every meal, brush your teeth to remove food particles, debris, and bacteria. You should also make sure you are flossing at least once every day. Just remember to put your trays back in your mouth when you’re finished.

#7: Prepare accordingly if you have travel plans.

To be effective, your Invisalign trays must be switched out approximately every two weeks. If you know you’re going to be out of town for a while, bring your new set of aligners with you. That way, your treatment won’t be disrupted in any way.

Contact Our Grant Park Office Today

Do you want to learn more about Invisalign? If so, schedule an appointment at our Grant Park practice. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at 404-328-7177.