Keeping it Clean During Invisalign Treatment

By: Stephen Price DDS | Tuesday, August 30th, 2016 | Invisalign

Tuesday, August 30th, 2016

If you are considering Invisalign as your treatment of choice to get a straighter, healthier smile, you probably know of the various advantages you gain with this system. Dr. Price has helped numerous patients attain their best smile using the clear, plastic aligner trays made in the Align Tech lab. There are several benefits to this system, most of them stemming from the fact that the aligners used to straighten teeth are not affixed to teeth; they can be removed. This fact does not mean, though, that you do not need to be mindful about how you take care of your teeth during your treatment program.

Cleaning and Maintenance Matter
Aligners are ideal because they do not protrude from teeth, and because they are barely noticeable when they are being worn. They are also ideal because they do not get in the way of brushing and flossing. They do, however, cover teeth completely for the majority of the time treatment is ongoing. If brushing and flossing are not performed sufficiently, there is a high likelihood that bacteria will accumulate within the plastic trays. This increases the risk for gum irritation and gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. To mitigate these risks, it is necessary to clean all areas of the mouth, as well as the aligners themselves.

Aligner Care
Aligners do not require a great deal of care. Each set is only worn for two weeks, and is then discarded. To reduce the risk of bacterial buildup, clean aligners every time you brush and floss. This does not mean you should brush your aligners. Doing so might just cause abrasions in them, which could invite bacteria rather than repel them. Instead of brushing, just rinse your aligners with warm water (not hot or cold, this could cause shape-shifting that you don’t want!). If you have non-abrasive toothpaste, you may gently rub your aligners with paste using your fingers or a soft cloth.

Tooth Care
Normally, we advise patients to brush twice a day and floss one time each day. Because Invisalign patients have their teeth covered much of the time, we may encourage them to brush after every meal, as often as possible. Understandably, there may be times when this cannot be done. At the very least, meals should be followed by a good rinsing of the mouth before aligners are inserted.

Good oral care is always important. As you straighten your teeth with Invisalign, we are here to support you in managing oral health with the right habits. Schedule your Invisalign consultation at (703)750-9404.