3 Tips for Taking Care of Your Invisalign Clear Aligners

Are you struggling with bite alignment issues? Do you wish you could show off a perfectly straight smile? If so, then you might consider undergoing Invisalign treatment to effectively improve your pearly whites. While your clear aligners provide a discreet method to straighten your teeth, it’s crucial that you keep them safe and healthy throughout the process. Read on to learn a few tips on how to take care of your Invisalign trays!

#1: Clean Your Aligners Every Morning & Evening

Even if you aren’t going to be wearing your clear aligners whenever you’re eating a meal, it doesn’t mean they’ll be vulnerable to food particles, plaque, and bacteria. If left unchecked, your Invisalign trays could end up trapping harmful debris against your pearly whites, which will increase the risk of dental decay and cavities. For this reason, you’ll want to make sure you clean your trays every morning and before bedtime with lukewarm water and a dental cleaner.

#2: Take Your Trays Off Before Eating & Drinking

One of the fastest ways to stain, warp, or damage your clear aligners is by forgetting to take them out before eating or drinking anything (except for non-flavored water). Dark-pigmented foods and beverages can end up making your discreet trays develop a yellowish shade that can result in dental discoloration. Also, hot liquids, such as tea and coffee, can result in a distortion of the shape of your Invisalign aligners, making them useless for your orthodontic process. To avoid any of these complications, simply remove your clear aligners before enjoying a meal. You can even store them in a glass of water to keep them bacteria-free until you put them back on.

#3: Place Your Aligners In a Protective Case

To maintain good progress with your orthodontic process, you’ll have to wear your Invisalign trays for 20-22 hours each day. However, if they’re misplaced or damaged during your treatment, this can end up setting back your goal. A good idea to prevent this from occurring is to store your aligners in a protective, bright-colored case. Not only will this keep them from getting damaged or shattered, but it’ll also make it harder for you to accidentally throw them in the trash.

Now you understand the importance of caring for your Invisalign trays during your treatment process. Keep these few tips in mind, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a perfectly straight smile in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Steven E. Amburgey received his dental doctorate from the West Virginia University Dental School and has delivered excellent care for over 15 years. He’s also a member of the Virginia Dental Association and the American Dental Association, and he regularly seeks continuing education to refine his expertise. He offers a wide selection of services, including Invisalign. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 276-258-5568.