Now that you’ve dived head first into the world of Invisalign, there are a few things you need to know about taking care of your aligners.

Storage

Make sure that when your aligners are out of your mouth, they are stored in a cool, dry place. Once you have your aligners fitted in our office, we will provide you with a case. Always keep this case close by just in case you need to pop out those trays. Stay aware and keep it away from young children and pets who could potentially turn your state-of-the-art orthodontic equipment into a teething toy.

In and Out

Keep them in for at least 22 hours every day. In order for your aligners to work at peak efficiency, they must be in your mouth. Skimping on your aligners will significantly increase your treatment time. That being said, there are a few instances in a day where you will need to remove them:

• When eating. One of the best parts about Invisalign treatment as opposed to traditional braces is that you don’t have to cut out certain foods. The reasoning behind this is that you remove your aligners before each meal. Just makes sure you rinse your mouth out and pop those trays back in right away!

 

• When drinking hot beverages. The aligners are made of plastic resin, so extreme temperatures can actually distort and damage them. If you absolutely need your coffee in the morning, take out your aligners before indulging.

 

• When brushing and flossing. In order for you to properly clean your teeth, you’ve got to get those aligners out of the way! Your regular oral routine is sufficient in keeping your mouth happy and healthy.

Cleaning

You should be cleaning your aligner trays as often as you clean your own teeth. Remember that your aligners will be exposed to the same bacteria that your mouth is, so when you brush your teeth and then pop in dirty trays, you may as well have not even bothered brushing your teeth at all. Make sure to avoid harsh chemicals or mouthwash. Mouthwash contains a dye that can stain your aligners, so while you might want minty-fresh breath, you probably don’t want to be walking around with a minty-green smile! Our experienced staff will recommend the best cleaner for you, one that is safe for your smile and your new equipment.

Our staff is dedicated to helping you achieve the best smile, and we know that knowledge is key to that goal. If you have any other questions about your new treatment, give us a call today!