How to Care for Your Invisalign Trays: A Complete Guide for Best Results
Here’s your complete guide on how to care for your Invisalign trays to ensure the best possible results.
1. Wear Your Aligners as Prescribed
One of the most important aspects of Invisalign treatment is wearing your aligners as directed. For optimal results, you should wear your trays for
20-22 hours per day
, removing them only when eating, drinking (anything other than water), brushing, or flossing. Failing to wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time can delay your treatment.
2. Clean Your Aligners Daily
Keeping your aligners clean is crucial for maintaining your oral hygiene and the clarity of the trays. Here’s how to properly clean your Invisalign trays:
- Rinse them every time you remove them: Always rinse your aligners with lukewarm water when you take them out to wash away saliva and bacteria.
- Brush them gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild, clear liquid soap (not toothpaste) to gently brush your aligners. Toothpaste can be too abrasive and cause scratches on the aligners, making them more visible.
- Soak them daily: Soaking your aligners daily in a cleaning solution, such as Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner, helps remove bacteria and keeps them clear and odor-free. Rinse them thoroughly with water after soaking to avoid any lingering cleaning solution.
3. Avoid Hot Water
Never expose your Invisalign trays to hot water. Excessive heat can warp the plastic, affecting the fit of your aligners and potentially delaying your treatment. Always rinse your aligners with lukewarm or cool water to avoid damaging them.
4. Keep Aligners in Their Case
When you’re not wearing your Invisalign trays, always store them in the provided case. Leaving them out in the open exposes them to bacteria, and you risk losing or damaging them. Keeping them in their case helps maintain their cleanliness and prevents unnecessary accidents.
5. Brush and Floss After Eating
It’s important to brush and floss your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back in. Food particles and plaque can get trapped between your teeth and aligners, increasing the risk of cavities, bad breath, and staining the trays. If you’re unable to brush right away, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to minimize the buildup of debris.
6. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
To keep your Invisalign trays clear and invisible, be mindful of foods and drinks that can stain the aligners. Remove your trays before consuming beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas, as these can discolor the plastic. Similarly, highly pigmented foods such as berries or curries can cause staining. Always brush your teeth after consuming these foods and drinks to keep your aligners clean and clear.
7. Change Your Aligners on Schedule
Each set of Invisalign aligners is custom-designed to gradually move your teeth into their desired position. For this process to work effectively, it’s important to switch to your next set of aligners on the schedule provided by your orthodontist, typically every one to two weeks. Failing to change your aligners on time can slow down your treatment.
8. Inspect Your Aligners for Damage
Periodically inspect your aligners for cracks, warping, or any damage that may affect their performance. If you notice any issues, contact Optimal Orthodontics of Humble right away. Damaged aligners won’t move your teeth properly and can delay your progress.
9. Use a Retainer Post-Treatment
After your Invisalign treatment is complete, wearing a retainer is crucial to maintaining your results. Without a retainer, your teeth may shift back to their original positions. Our board-certified orthodontists at Optimal Orthodontics of Humble will recommend the right type of retainer and provide instructions for wearing and caring for it.
10. Maintain Regular Orthodontic Checkups
Even though Invisalign involves fewer in-office visits than traditional braces, regular checkups with your orthodontist are essential to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Our team at Optimal Orthodontics of Humble will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to keep your smile on track.
Ready to Achieve Your Best Smile with Invisalign?
Caring for your Invisalign trays properly is essential to ensure a smooth and successful treatment journey. By following these tips, you can maintain the health of your teeth, keep your aligners looking their best, and achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
At Optimal Orthodontics of Humble, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions about your Invisalign treatment or need additional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our board-certified orthodontists. Schedule a consultation today to start your Invisalign journey and learn more about achieving your best smile!
