Looking After Your Clear Aligners

Orthodontic aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment option. They can help you achieve a straighter smile without the need for traditional braces. These clear, almost invisible trays for over your teeth and gradually move them into the desired position.

Caring for your orthodontic aligners ensures the treatment remains effective. Proper maintenance keeps your aligners clean and odour-free and maintains your oral health.

Following a few simple steps will to care for your Invisalign aligner and make your orthodontic treatment efficient. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key steps to caring for your aligners and on your journey to a straighter smile.

Maintaining Your Oral Health

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during any orthodontic treatment including Invisalign. This includes brushing and flossing daily to prevent bacteria buildup from turning into plaque and tartar. Maintaining a regular schedule for check-ups and professional cleaning will keep your teeth and gums in optimal health.

Keeping Your Aligners Clean

When removing your aligners to eat or drink, remember to rinse your aligners thoroughly with water. This can prevent the buildup of bacteria that can cause tooth decay or gum disease.

Our orthodontists also recommend rinsing your mouth and teeth with water after eating. This can help to remove any food particles before replacing your aligners. You may choose to brush your teeth after meals. Although you don’t need to do this, you can consider it a best practice to maintain optimal oral health.

Cleaning Your Aligners

To keep your aligners clean, we recommend thoroughly cleaning them twice a day. This involves using a solution that can break down the bacteria that cause plaque buildup. Invisalign recommends using their cleaning crystals. If you don’t have access to cleaning crystals, suitable alternatives include:

1. Soft bristle toothbrush and mild toothpaste – Brush your aligners in the same way as brushing your teeth.
2. Baking soda – Disolved in lukewarm water and used to soak your aligners for 20-30 minutes.
3. Antibacterial soap – An effective alternative to toothpaste.

Things to avoid:

• Wearing aligners without cleaning your teeth can accelerate the effects of tooth decay.
• Drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners.
• Using denture-cleaning tablets – Can damage your aligners and make them more visible
• Soaking your aligners in mouthwash – Coloured mouthwashes can discolour your aligners

Preventing Stains on Your Aligners

Generally speaking, dark-coloured foods and drinks can discolour your aligners. To prevent discolouration, avoid consuming these substances while wearing your aligners. If you do indulge, make sure to remove the aligners and brush your teeth before putting them back in.

Storing Your Aligners

When you’re not wearing your aligners, always store them in their provided case. Leaving them exposed or wrapped in a napkin increases the risk of loss or damage. This may compromise the efficiency of your treatment.

It is important also to handle your aligners with care. Avoid excessive bending or twisting, as this may cause them to warp or change shape. If you notice any damage to your aligners, contact your orthodontist for advice.

Final Retainers

Once you have completed your aligner treatment, your orthodontist will likely provide you with retainers. The instructions for looking after your aligners also apply to your retainer. While the exact instructions may vary, practising good dental hygiene will keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Remember to always consult your orthodontist if you have any concerns or questions about looking after your clear aligners.

MP Orthodontics is an orthodontic practice based in Cheltenham, Melbourne. Working from the belief that orthodontic treatment is much more than working with teeth and creating smiles, treating orthodontists – Dr Martin Poon and Dr Geoff Hall – approach patients as people first. Their approach is to work together and plan and implement treatment that meets each individual’s needs. Drawing on 30 plus years experience of helping children gain confidence through tailored treatment, MP Orthodontics, is a truly unique orthodontic practice.