Important Tips for Caring for Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign clear aligners are a great option for many patients to treat a wide variety of bite problems. And caring for Invisalign clear aligners properly helps protect them. It also helps keep them clean and therefore invisible—and that invisibility is probably a big part of why you opted for these alternatives to traditional braces in the first place.

Below are some tips for caring for Invisalign braces to keep them in good shape. You wear them for most of the day (ideally for 20 to 22 hours per day), so use some of those other few hours to clean the clear aligner trays.

Taking Care of Your Invisalign Braces

• Remove the clear aligners every time you eat and whenever you drink anything besides water. They’re not made for chewing, and they can get stained. Besides, the ability to take them out and eat whatever you want is a major benefit of Invisalign over standard braces, so take advantage of it!

• Brush your teeth after eating or drinking and before putting your Invisalign braces back on. Flossing is a good idea too if you ate.

• Remove your Invisalign trays and brush them inside and out once or twice per day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, warm water, and a little bit of a mild soap. Don’t use harsh soaps, toothpaste, mouthwash, a denture cleanser, or abrasive materials to clean them. Oh, and don’t use the same toothbrush you use for your own teeth.

• Don’t use scented soap to clean your Invisalign, as this can leave them with a funny taste you might not appreciate when you put them back on.

• Soak the Invisalign trays once per day in warm water and a cleaning crystal solution made for clear aligners. Usually, the soak should last about 15 to 20 minutes, but be sure to follow the package instructions on your product.

• Give the trays a quick rinse inside and out with lukewarm water when you take them off to remove saliva and bacteria.

• Store your clean aligners in their case whenever you have them off. This helps protect them from damage and from developing bacterial buildup in the open air.