Tips for Taking Care of Your Invisalign Trays
Deciding to correct your misaligned teeth is a big commitment. Invisalign® braces make this commitment easy and comfortable with removable aligners. Since they’re removable, though, it’s easy to lose them, damage them, or forget to clean them.
AACD-accredited dentist Dr. Roberto Palmieri and his team at Palmieri Dentistry, located in Mooresville, North Carolina, offer these tips to help you care for your Invisalign trays.
Avoid heat
Invisalign trays are made from tight-fitting plastic. Like all plastic material, they can’t withstand high temperatures. Never place them on hot surfaces, like your car’s dashboard, or near boiling water. If your trays do warp from heat, bring them back to Dr. Palmieri, so we can replace them.
Always put your Invisalign tray in its case
It takes time adjusting to new habits. Make sure you always put your aligners in their case when you take them out. Otherwise, you can lose or damage them.
Remove them before eating
As mentioned, forming new habits takes time. Always remember to remove your Invisalign trays before you eat, as they can get stained and scratched. Try not to drink anything like coffee while wearing your trays, since coffee can stain them.
Brush your teeth after eating
Food and plaque on your teeth can get inside your trays. Bacteria can start building up, make them smell bad, and cause tooth decay. So you must thoroughly brush your teeth and clean your aligners after you eat.
Cleaning
When you clean your Invisalign trays, use lukewarm water. Rinse them, and brush them softly but thoroughly with toothpaste and a toothbrush. Make sure you brush the inside and outside of your retainers.
You don’t need chemicals to clean them, but if you find that toothpaste isn’t working, you can use retainer cleaners. We recommend not using mouthwash to clean Invisalign trays. Mouthwash can stain your aligners, and the alcohol in it can damage plastic.
Inspect your trays
Plaque, calcium, and tartar can form on your Invisalign trays. You can normally avoid this if you properly care for them. If you do notice plaque build-up, use a denture cleansing solution.
Denture cleansers are dissolvable tablets for retainers. Just add one tablet to some water, and let your aligners soak for a few minutes. This can remove harmful substances and bacteria from your trays.
Additional tips
Keeping your Invisalign trays clean can prevent oral health problems and illness. Bacteria that multiplies in your trays can cause gum irritation and infection.
Keeping your Invisalign case clean is just as important as cleaning the trays. Make sure to wash it at least once a day, preferably before putting your trays away. And if you grind your teeth in your sleep, take them out before bed.
You can speak to Dr. Palmieri if you have any questions about your Invisalign trays. To schedule an appointment at Palmieri Dentistry, use our online booking tool, or speak to one of our friendly team members at 704-247-6336.