How do I take care of my Invisalign aligners?

Do take your Invisalign trays out each morning and clean both your teeth and the trays very thoroughly.

Because bacteria can build up on the trays while you sleep during the night, establishing that morning routine is very important for your oral hygiene. You should all do this every evening before bed as well.

Do rinse the aligners every time you remove them.

Besides your morning and evening cleaning routines, you should also rinse your aligners every time you remove them. This will keep plaque and any dried on salvia from building up. You can also clean the aligners using a little clear anti-bacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will get rid of any stuck on particles easier and keep the aligners looking clean and clear.

The important thing is to pack what you need to properly care for your aligners and always carry them with you so you can properly care for your Invisalign trays even when you are not home.

Do brush and floss your teeth before you put the trays back in.

Keeping your teeth and gums clean is also very important otherwise you will still have dental problems down the road. Always brush and floss your teeth before putting your trays back in for the optimum clean mouth. Otherwise food particles could be trapped against your teeth inside the aligners, leading to dental issues.

Don’t leave your trays laying out in the open.

It is important that your aligners are properly stored away in their case when you are not wearing them. When left in the open air, it exposed them to more buildup of bacteria. Also your aligners are more likely to get lost or damaged this way.

To prevent this, always take you aligner case with you no matter where you are going. If forget and leave them out for a few hours though, be sure to soak and rinse them before putting them back in your mouth.

Don’t forget to plan accordingly for long trips

Because you need to switch to new aligners every few weeks, some foresight and planning is needed during Invisalign treatment. If you are traveling for a long time and know you will need to switch to a new set aligners while you are away from home, then pack the new ones along with the current ones or have the new ones shipped to you while you are away. This way there are no disruptions in your treatment.

Frequently asked questions:

• What’s the best way to clean my aligners? You can brush them with a toothbrush and toothpaste and rinse them in lukewarm water. Never use hot water on your aligners — it could permanently warp the plastic.

• If I have food residue (like blueberries or pasta sauce) in my mouth when I put my aligners back in, can they become stained? Yes. That’s why it’s important to brush after every meal, before placing your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth.

• I dropped my aligners in an unsanitary place. Do I need to sterilize them after I clean them? Yes. It is very important to always ensure your aligners are clean and hygienic before placing them in your mouth. Please do not use hot water at any time on your aligners — it could permanently warp the plastic.

• What if I lose or break an aligner. What should I do? If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately let your doctor know. Your doctor will work with you to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan, which may involve wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacements aligners.

• Can I order replacement aligners from the Invisalign brand directly? All aligners and retainers must be ordered through your Invisalign doctor, as they are considered a prescription item. Please contact your doctor directly if you need to order a replacement.

• Will smoking stain my aligners? We discourage smoking while wearing Invisalign aligners because it can stain them.

• Can I chew gum while wearing aligners? No, gum will stick to your Invisalign aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, including gum.

• Can the aligners slip off while I’m asleep? It is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall out, no matter what you are doing: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. Invisalign clear aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern.

• I went on a trip and forgot to take my aligners with me. Will my aligners still fit? The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing your Invisalign aligners. If it’s only been a short time, your aligners should still fit, but they might feel uncomfortable. If it’s been a longer time, talk to your doctor about your unique situation.