Clear Care: A Few Do’s and Don’ts to Maintain Invisalign

Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a more comfortable alternative to standard braces. Instead of metallic brackets and wires, this treatment utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to reposition them.

However, it’s imperative that you care for the trays correctly so they can function effectively. Continue reading to learn a few do’s and don’ts that can help keep your Invisalign in good shape!

DO Remove them for Meals

Many patients appreciate that this service doesn’t require dietary restrictions like traditional orthodontics typically do. With that said, the clear plastic aligners aren’t built to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing, and shouldn’t be in your mouth if you’re consuming anything other than water.

That means you should remove them for meals to avoid gouging, scratching, or breaking the material. Be sure to rinse your mouth out after eating so you’re less likely to trap leftover bits of food or other particles against your teeth when you reinsert them to help avoid common concerns like cavities and gum disease.

DON’T Consume Hot Drinks

You might think it’s harmless to keep the trays in your mouth to have a quick cup of tea or coffee to start your day or get you through the afternoon slump, but this isn’t recommended for a couple of reasons. Firstly, heat can warp the plastic material so that it no longer fits, which can interrupt your treatment. For example, your dentist will need to order a replacement, which can potentially add a couple of weeks to your overall timeline.

Furthermore, coffee and tea both contain tannins, which are pigmented particles that are found naturally occurring in many plants. They can cling to the surface of your plastic trays and stain them, defeating the purpose of ‘invisible’ orthodontics.

DO Wash Them Regularly

You must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from shifting to their previous places. This gives any bacteria, food particles, and other debris trapped between your teeth and the plastic plenty of time to thrive. This can increase the likelihood of developing tooth decay, periodontal problems, or other concerns.

Thankfully, this can be prevented by removing the trays twice daily to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. You should also scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear dish soap or non-abrasive toothpaste that won’t harm the surface.

If you still have questions about how to maintain your Invisalign, consulting your dentist directly can provide the answers you’re looking for!

Meet the Author

Dr. Ryan Eskridge has 20 years of experience helping improve patients’ lives by helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and has since completed continuing education courses with prestigious institutions, such as The Dawson Academy. He provides a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including Invisalign. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (614) 792-0063.