If you’ve chosen Invisalign in Mississauga, you likely already realize how comfortable and convenient the clear aligners can be. However, to reap the benefits of your treatment, you must also care for your aligners daily. Regular care of your aligners won’t just help your path to straight teeth; it will also keep your aligners clear and odour-free and support your oral health while you undergo treatment.
Why Daily Care of Your Aligners is Important
Your aligners are in your mouth for the majority of the day—typically 20 to 22 hours. This means there’s plenty of exposure to food particles, saliva, and bacteria. If you don’t clean and store your aligners properly, they could stain, smell, and even irritate your gums. Luckily, you can avoid these issues by having a simple routine for daily aligner care so they remain almost invisible.
What Do You Do Each Morning and Night?
- Morning: Every morning when you wake up, the first thing you need to do is take your aligners out and rinse them in lukewarm water. Next, brush and floss immediately after rinsing your aligners, and put them back in. This way, you are making sure there aren’t bacteria sitting on the surface of your teeth all day.
- Night: Every night before bed—brush and floss thoroughly. Clean your aligners the same way you were instructed by your dentist and rinse them thoroughly with water before sleeping.
Brushing and Flossing with Invisalign
There is no avoiding brushing and flossing while you’re using aligners. If you skip these basic steps, you automatically put yourself at risk of plaque buildup and bad breath. Just remember the key is to stay consistent and gentle—avoid using toothpaste with harsh abrasives that could scratch your aligners.
After Eating or Drinking Anything
That is why you should always take them out before eating or drinking anything other than water. If you are wondering how long to wait to brush teeth after eating Invisalign, a good rule of thumb is about 30 minutes. This allows your saliva to neutralize the acids, too, before brushing and helps protect your enamel.
Keeping your Aligners Fresh and Clear
You’ll find different views about cleaning methods, but one generally accepted option is to use cleaning crystals. If you’ve ever wondered, How often should I clean my Invisalign with crystals? The answer is usually once a day, or as directed by your dental provider. These crystals help remove plaque and make sure your aligners stay looking like new.
Some other tips are
- Rinse your aligners any time you take them out.
- Don’t use hot water—it will warp the plastic.
- Put them in their protective case every time they’re not in your mouth.
What to Avoid
- Hot liquids: Avoid hot tea or coffee while wearing your aligners.
- Harsh cleaning agents: Do not use bleach or abrasive cleaners—you are destroying the aligner material.
- Forget about storage: If you set the aligners on the counter, they will be exposed to bacteria (not good!), and also you are at risk of losing them.
When To See Your Dentist
Your dentist in Mississauga will support you and monitor your progress, making adjustments as necessary. Regular appointments are as important as consistent wear. Your visits will help you to stay on track with your schedule, as well as address any concerns around fit, comfort, or cleanliness.
Final Suggestions for Success
Keep a similar daily routine. The clearer you can stay to your daily routine, the better. Make sure to have your case with you at all times; it will be much easier not to accidentally wrap the aligners in tissue (which is easy to lose!). Avoid delaying your treatment by changing out your aligners when scheduled.
Keep Your Smile on Track with Iona Dental
Caring for your aligners is as important as wearing them. At Iona Dental, we are with you every step of the way in your Invisalign journey, from fitting your first aligner to the moment you see your new smile. Our friendly team will not only help you become accustomed to good cleaning habits and comfortable wear, but we will also keep you on track with your progress.
If you are ready to get started or have questions about caring for your aligners, schedule your appointment today. The faster we get started, the closer you are to your confident smile.