4 Ways to Protect Your Invisalign Aligners

You’ve decided to invest in yourself and get an Invisalign treatment. There are many advantages to getting these clear aligners in Fort Worth. They’re usually less painful than braces, virtually unnoticeable, and easy to remove. But in order to get the best results from this popular orthodontic option, they must be properly maintained. Keep reading for some great tips on how to care for your Invisalign system.

Clean the Trays

Even though you take them out to eat, they still need to be cleaned at least twice a day. Not cleaning them can put you at risk for bad breath and tooth decay. Make sure you’re only using Invisalign or retainer cleaning solutions and rinsing them in lukewarm water to minimize bacteria buildup. Using hot water can warp the plastic. Adding this cleaning process to your daily brushing routine may make it easier to remember.

Remove Your Aligners When Eating or Drinking

Make sure you remove your trays when eating or drinking. While it’s ok to drink plain water when your aligners are in, a cup of hot tea or coffee can warp or even stain them. Eating while wearing your Invisalign retainers can also cause damage. The materials used to design your aligners are strong, but the force of your teeth crack them. One of the best things about Invisalign is you can eat or drink whatever you like, just remember to take them out!

Put Your Aligners on Clean Teeth

Making sure your teeth and gums are clean is an important aspect of an Invisalign treatment. Not properly brushing and flossing can lead to cavities with or without Invisalign. But the trays can hinder the contact of your teeth with saliva, your mouth’s most natural defense against bacteria, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities. So, it’s important to keep up with regular oral care.

Store Them Properly

Leaving your aligners in open air exposes them to bacteria, and you could lose or damage them. That’s why it’s important to keep them stored in their case any time you take them out. Taking the case with you anywhere you go is a great way to make sure you can keep them protected. If you do accidentally leave them sitting out, make sure to soak them in cleaning solution and don’t forget to rinse them before putting them back in your mouth!

The entire goal of getting Invisalign aligners is to straighten your teeth while keeping them healthy and white. Discoloration and bacteria buildup that can cause decay and odors lie ahead if they aren’t properly maintained. Your oral care is just as important as maintaining your Invisalign treatment to make sure you come out on the other end with the beautiful smile you have worked so hard for!

About the Author

At Drennan Family Dental, Dr. Terry Drennan and Dr. Audrey Morrison are focused on making sure you can smile with confidence by offering advanced services like Invisalign. Patient care is at the top of their list, and their friendly staff is happy to assist you. Visit their website or contact the office at (817) 732-5522 to learn more.