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9 Tips to Maintain Your Invisalign Aligners for Optimal Result

If you are considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you may be wondering how to best take care of your new aligners. Although Invisalign is virtually invisible, it is important to maintain your aligners properly to avoid any unwanted build-up or damage. Luckily, with a few simple tips, you can easily keep your Invisalign clean and in good condition.

To start, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. It is also important to clean your aligners daily. You can do this by gently brushing them with a toothbrush and toothpaste or by soaking them in denture cleaner. Be sure to avoid hot water when cleaning your aligners, as this can cause them to warp.

In addition to cleaning your aligners, it is also important to wear them as prescribed by your orthodontist. typically, Invisalign should be worn for 20-22 hours per day. However, depending on your individual treatment plan, you may be instructed to wear them for more or less time each day. If you have any questions about how long you should wear your aligners, be sure to ask your orthodontist.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Invisalign aligners last throughout the duration of treatment and produce optimal results!

Tip 1: Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

The first thing to do when you get your Invisalign aligners is to follow your doctor’s instructions. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when wearing them. First, you need to wear them for at least 22 hours a day. This may seem like a lot, but it is necessary in order to see results. Secondly, you need to be careful about what you eat and drink while wearing them. Avoiding hard and sticky foods will help to keep them clean and in good condition. Finally, make sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly while wearing Invisalign aligners. This will help to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Tip 2: Brush and Floss Regularly

It is important to keep your teeth and gumline clean, especially when you are wearing braces. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. You may need to use a special flosser or toothbrush to reach all of your teeth.

Tip 3: Avoid Eating Certain Foods While Wearing Your Aligners

There are certain foods that you should avoid while wearing your aligners. These include hard and sticky candy, nuts, and popcorn. All of these can easily get stuck in your aligners and cause them to break. Chewing gum is also a big no-no as it can cause your aligners to warp. If you must eat anything sticky or hard, be sure to take your aligners out first.

Tip 4: Remove and Reinsert Your Aligners Properly

Before you remove your aligners, make sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly. This will help remove any food particles or plaque that could get trapped under your aligners. To remove your aligners, simply begin at the back of your mouth and gently push the aligner back with your tongue. Once the aligner is loose, use your thumbs to pop it off. Be careful not to pull it out with your fingers, as this could cause the aligner to warp. To reinsert your aligners, hold them at the back of your mouth and use your tongue to push them into place. Once they’re in, use your thumbs to press them against your teeth until they snap into place.

Tip 5: Clean Your Aligners Daily

If you wear Invisalign clear aligners, it’s important to clean them daily. Here are some tips on how to clean your aligners:

1. Rinse your aligners in lukewarm water before brushing them.

2. Brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or detergent. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and damage the aligners.

3. Rinse your aligners thoroughly after brushing.

4. Soak your aligners in Invisalign’s cleansing crystals overnight at least once a week.

5. Store your clean aligners in the case provided by Invisalign when you’re not wearing them.

Tip 6: Soak Your Aligners Overnight for Extra Cleanliness

You should soak your Invisalign aligners in lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes every day. This will help to remove any food particles or plaque that may be stuck on the aligners. For extra cleanliness, you can soak your aligners overnight in a denture-cleaning solution.

Tip 7: Use a Retainer

The best way to keep your Invisalign aligners clean is to wear a retainer. A retainer is a thin, clear plastic tray that fits over your teeth. It helps to keep your aligners in place while you sleep and also prevents them from becoming stained or yellowed.

Tip 8: Avoid Contact Sports and Strenuous Activity

If you are an athlete or participate in any contact sports, it is important to take extra care of your Invisalign aligners. Avoiding strenuous activity and contact sports while wearing your aligners will help to prevent them from becoming damaged or lost.

If you must participate in a contact sport while wearing your aligners, be sure to wear a mouthguard over them. This will help to protect your aligners from impact and keep them in place. Be sure to clean your mouthguard and aligners after each use.

It is also important to avoid any activities that could cause your aligners to become loose or fall out. These include chewing gum, eating hard candy, and biting your nails. If you must participate in these activities, be sure to remove your aligners first and clean them thoroughly before putting them back in.

Tip 9: Make Routine Visits with Your Orthodontist

The first thing you should do when you wake up brushes your teeth and put in your Invisalign aligners. That way, you start the day with a clean mouth and clear aligners. During the day, try to eat healthy foods and avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that could damage your aligners. Every time you eat, brush your teeth and brush your aligners with clear soap and water. At the end of the day, brush your teeth again and put them in your Invisalign case to soak overnight. 

It’s important to develop a good routine for cleaning your Invisalign aligners because if they’re not clean, they can cause a build-up of plaque which can lead to tooth decay. It’s also important to visit your orthodontist regularly so they can check on the progress of your treatment and make sure everything is going according to plan.