Invisalign has changed how people get dental care forever by making traditional braces less noticeable and easier to use. Proper care for your teeth and gums ensures that your aligner trays last as long as possible and that the treatment works.

Invisalign trays should be kept clean, fresh, and odor-free. Read this article from Lavaca Dental Services on the vital dos and don’ts of cleaning your Invisalign trays.

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Invisalign Trays Often

It is very important to keep your Invisalign trays clean for several reasons:

• Stopping the Growth of Bacteria: Bacteria that build up on your aligner trays can cause bad breath, gum disease, and other teeth problems. Cleaning of these trays is hence helpful in maintaining oral hygiene.
• Avoiding Unwanted Stains: If you clean your trays seldom, they can retain their clear appearance and become different colors. Unwanted stains can make them look less attractive.
• Ensuring Everything Runs Smoothly: Your aligners will work better if you keep your tray clean. It will help them put the right amount of pressure on your teeth and move them into the right place.

The Do’s of Cleaning Your Invisalign Trays

Follow these essential guidelines to ensure proper care and cleanliness of your Invisalign trays after orthodontic treatment:

• Rinse After Removal: When you remove the aligner trays, wash them in warm water to remove any food or spit stuck on them.
• Use Clear, Unscented Soap: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear soap with no smell to clean the trays. Be careful not to scratch or hurt the trays as you scrub them.
• A Soak Every Day: Soak your Invisalign trays in a mouth cleaner or a solution made for that every day. It gets rid of tough spots and helps keep the trays clean.
• Brush and Floss Teeth: Before putting your dental trays back in, brush and floss your teeth to keep food and bacteria from getting stuck between your teeth and the trays.
• Store Them Properly: When not in use, put your aligner trays back in their case to prevent damage. Keep them out of direct sunlight or air to stop bacteria from growing.

The Don’ts of Cleaning Your Invisalign Trays

Don’t do these things with your aligner trays to keep them in good shape:

• Skipping Cleaning: Always clean your aligner trays, even in a hurry. If you care about cleanliness, bacteria could grow and make you smell good.
• Using Toothpaste: Don’t use colored toothpaste or soaps on your trays to keep them clean. Some of these items have rough parts that could damage the color of the plastic.
• Using Hot Water: It is not recommended to clean trays with hot water because it could bend or break their shape, making them less valuable and comfortable.
• Eating or Drinking: Take out your aligner trays before you eat or drink anything other than water. If you drink sugary drinks with your trays on, you could damage or stain them.
• Using Harsh Chemicals: Do not use alcohol-based mouthwash or other medicine to clean your trays.

To Sum Up

If you want your treatment to go well, you must take extra care of your Invisalign trays. As long as you follow the tips in this piece, your trays will stay clean, odorless, and safe during your visit. If you have any questions or worries about taking care of your Invisalign trays, you should talk to a dentist at Lavaca Dental.