Invisalign aligners are custom-fitted appliances that discreetly straighten your teeth. Like any dental appliance, you must maintain them to get the most from them and keep your teeth healthy. Here's what to know about Invisalign care.
Best Practices for Invisalign Care
Caring for your Invisalign aligners is part of the overall treatment process. It involves wearing your aligners according to instructions and following basic maintenance tips to keep them in top shape.
Take Aligners Out to Eat
Invisalign aligners are removable appliances, which makes them convenient and easy to use. However, they’re not designed to be used while chewing. Take them out before you eat and place them in your case. That way, you’ll avoid getting food stuck in the aligners and even against your teeth.
Only Drink Water with Aligners On
Hot drinks, like hot water, coffee, or tea, can warp the aligner plastic, causing problems with the fit and impacting your treatment. Other fluids may trap sugar between your teeth and the aligner and raise your risk of cavities. Remove your aligners to enjoy a drink, and drink only cold water while wearing them.
Brush and Floss After Eating
Once you’re done eating or drinking, brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This will help keep food debris and sugar from getting stuck between your teeth and aligners and lower your risk of cavities.
Wear Your Aligners as Prescribed
Invisalign only works when you wear it. In most cases, your orthodontist or dentist will ask you to wear your aligners 22 hours of the day, except while eating and drinking. To see results, wear them as prescribed and be sure to change to new trays at the right time in the schedule.
Clean Aligners Twice Daily
You may find your aligners develop a bad taste or affect your breath. You can prevent these problems with good aligner hygiene and twice daily cleaning. Clean your Invisalign morning and night when you brush and floss your teeth as part of your normal routine.
How to Clean Your Invisalign Aligners
Your Invisalign aligners are made with durable materials, but the plastic can’t withstand heat as it may warp the appliance. However, there are a few possible ways to clean your retainers.
Antibacterial Soap and Toothbrush
Bacteria easily build up in your retainers, which may contribute to the bad smell and taste and affect the balance of bacteria in your mouth. You can use a gentle dish soap or antibacterial soap and a toothbrush to scrub your retainers.
However, be sure to use a spare toothbrush, and rinse your Invisalign well with lukewarm water. This will help get rid of any residual soap or taste.
Denture or Retainer Cleaning Tablets
Cleaning tablets are a quick and easy way to kill bacteria and refresh your retainers. These tablets are available at your local pharmacy and only take a few steps. Simply fill a cup with lukewarm water, add a tablet and the aligners, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, rinse the aligners well.
Warm Water Rinse
If you don’t have time to do a full cleaning routine, you can rinse your aligners with lukewarm water. Run them under water after you take them out, before you put them in, and after brushing and flossing your teeth. This helps remove saliva and may stop plaque from building up.
Replacing Damaged Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign retainers are an investment in your health, so you’ll want to maintain them and use them as prescribed to get the most value for your dollar. Otherwise, you may have to replace damaged aligners, which adds to your treatment cost.
For instance, the average Invisalign cost varies but ranges between $3,000 and $5,000. These costs usually include exams, scans, treatment planning, lab design, the actual retainers, and appointments. Ordering replacement retainers is extra and adds to the fees.
Invisalign at Skyview Dentistry
Invisalign is a convenient and subtle way to correct and enhance your smile. Our team at Skyview Dentistry offers customized solutions and a luxurious experience to help you look and feel your best. Discover Invisalign and learn more about the process. Contact us today.