Whether you recently started your Invisalign journey (congrats!) or you’re thinking about straightening your teeth with clear aligners, you might be curious about life with Invisalign. The custom clear aligners are a game-changer for achieving a healthy bite and beautiful smile without brackets and wires.
However, to get the most out of your treatment, it’s essential to know how to properly wear, store, maintain, and clean your Invisalign trays. In this post, Dr. Sonia Talley, Dr. Katie Clark, and the team at Bird Smiles Orthodontics are sharing everything you need to know about caring for your aligners.
Wearing Invisalign Aligners
Unlike braces, which are bonded to the teeth, Invisalign aligners are removable. While this makes treatment convenient, it also means compliance is key to getting great results.
How long do you have to wear Invisalign? We recommend wearing your Invisalign or Invisalign Teen aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day for the best outcome. Ideally, you’ll only take your aligners out to eat, drink, and brush and floss your teeth.
Do you wear Invisalign while playing sports? Well, if the sport or activity involves a risk of getting hit in the face, you’ll want to remove your aligners and wear a protective mouthguard instead. A mouthguard will keep your teeth safe. Just remember to put your aligners back in as soon as your game or practice is over.
How to Store Invisalign Aligners
We often say around here that the aligners should be “in your face or in your case!” Putting your Invisalign aligners on a napkin or tissue while eating is a surefire way to accidentally toss them in the trash! Embrace your Invisalign case and get into the habit of immediately storing your aligners in it whenever you take them out.
Dogs think of aligners (and retainers) as a chew toy! So if you have a dog at home, be sure to place your aligners in a safe space or in your case when you take them out.
How to Clean Invisalign Aligners
If you type “how to clean Invisalign aligners” into a search engine, the results will turn up all sorts of cleaning solutions and gadgets you can buy. Here’s the thing though, you only wear each set of aligners for a week. Your aligners shouldn’t ever get so dirty in that brief period that they require a $150 ultrasonic cleaner to revive them.
Here’s how to clean Invisalign trays the easy, affordable way:
- Remove your Invisalign aligners from your mouth.
- Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water (do not use toothpaste as it can be too abrasive & scratch the aligners).
- Rinse your aligners in lukewarm water. Never use hot water because it can warp the plastic.
If you’re dealing with cloudy or stained Invisalign aligners and need a deeper clean, you can soak them in Efferdent (denture cleaner) or an option like Invisalign cleaning crystals to give them extra TLC.
As for how often to clean Invisalign, we recommend twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bed. After meals and snacks, rinse your aligners with water before putting them back in.
Eating and Drinking With Invisalign
If you have Invisalign attachments, you will need to steer clear of really hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that could knock them loose like nuts, ice, and taffy. Otherwise, because your aligners are removable, there are no Invisalign food restrictions. You can eat and drink whatever you want during treatment as long as you take your aligners out before having anything aside from still water.
Eating with your Invisalign aligners in can be tempting but please don’t do it. Not only can this cause damage to the aligners rendering them ineffective, but food can also get stuck between your aligners and your teeth, potentially leading to cavities.
You should also avoid drinking with Invisalign aligners in your mouth because beverages can stain your aligners and teeth and get trapped beneath the plastic.
Oral Hygiene During Invisalign Treatment
You’ll brush and floss your teeth the same way you did before starting your clear aligner journey. The only difference is you’ll need to brush your teeth after eating so your mouth is clean when you put your aligners back in. We get that this isn’t always a possibility so we’ll share some tips below.
Why is this important? Food particles and plaque left on your teeth can get trapped under your aligners, increasing the risk of tooth decay and staining. To prevent this, follow these simple steps:
- Brush Thoroughly: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth after meals and snacks and before reinserting your aligners.
- Rinse Well: Give your aligners a quick rinse with water. If you can’t brush your teeth immediately, rinse your mouth with water as well to remove loose food particles.
- Floss Daily: Ensure you’re flossing at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth.
Pro Tips:
- If you can’t brush your teeth, try chewing two pieces of sugar-free gum for a few minutes before discarding it. This will help clean your teeth before you put in your aligners.
- Keep a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste on hand when you’re at work, school, or on the go so you’re always prepared.
What to Do if Your Aligners are Lost or Damaged
If you lose or damage an Invisalign aligner, don’t panic. Call or text our Washington, DC orthodontics office at (202) 686-2108 for guidance. Our team will determine if the appropriate tooth movements have occurred. If they did, you’ll be able to move on to your next aligner tray. If not, you may be asked to wear your previous set of aligners while waiting for a replacement. That’s why it’s always a good idea to save your last set of Invisalign trays.
Invisalign Success Starts With Expert Care
Caring for your Invisalign aligners during treatment and wearing them for 20-22 hours per day will go a long way in ensuring a seamless, effective process. If you want additional tips, check out our Invisalign instructions video.
Another key to success is choosing an experienced orthodontist for your care. At Bird Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Talley and Dr. Clark are top Washington, DC Invisalign providers and certified specialists in orthodontics. They can design a truly custom smile that perfectly balances health, functionality and aesthetic appeal.
If you’re ready to get started or learn more about Invisalign, book a complimentary consultation at our Tenleytown office today!
