Invisalign® aligners are made from a clear, thermoplastic material that is custom-made to fit your teeth. Unlike conventional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. Because of this, they require special care. To achieve the best smile results, proper handling and care of your Invisalign aligners is vital.
Follow these steps to take care of your aligners:
- Do not eat or drink hot beverages while wearing Invisalign aligners. It’s a good idea to get in the practice of removing your aligners before eating and drinking. Because they are made of plastic resin, heat can distort and damage them. Also, eating while wearing the aligners will cause sugar and other food particles to stay on your teeth, which contributes to plaque and tooth decay.
- Clean the aligner trays regularly. Invisalign aligners are exposed to the same bacteria and plaque your mouth is, so you need to clean them as regularly as you clean your teeth. However, you should avoid cleaning the aligners with harsh chemicals. We recommend using a denture cleaner or other mild cleaning solution. Please carefully follow the instructions we give you.
- Store aligners in a cool, dry, safe place. When you’re not wearing the aligners, store them in the case provided by our office. If you don’t use the case, they can easily get lost or damaged. Keeping them out of reach of small children and pets is also a good idea. Dogs love to adopt clear aligners as chew toys!
- Don’t chew gum while wearing aligners. There’s one thing that conventional braces and Invisalign aligners have in common: chewing gum damages both.
- Don’t soak aligners in mouthwash. Many popular mouthwashes contain a color pigment. There’s a possibility that soaking Invisalign aligners in mouthwash will tint or stain them.
- For more tips for a successful Invisalign experience, contact our office!