Invisalign aligners make it easy to clean your teeth during your treatment because they are removable! But it's really important that you keep the aligners themselves clean, too! Here’s how.
Cleaning
- Rinse your aligners every time you remove them, as otherwise dry saliva and plaque will build up over time and create an ideal breeding ground for foul smelling bacteria.
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting you aligners back in. This will prevent food particles and bacteria from being trapped in the tight space between your teeth and aligners.
- Regularly clean your aligners with clear, anti-bacterial soft soap and a soft toothbrush. This is a great way to get rid of unwanted bacteria and keep your aligners clean and smelling fresh. Be sure not to use coloured soap though, as this could discolour your aligners. Rinse thoroughly before putting the aligners back in your mouth.
Damage Prevention
- Do not eat or drink anything other than water while you’re wearing your aligners. Food and drinks can stain your aligners and cause them to smell bad over time.
- Avoid using toothpaste to clean your aligners unless necessary, as it can be abrasive. This could cause your aligners to dull, and create small scratches that trap bacteria.
- Never leave your aligners exposed or uncovered when you’re not wearing them. Always put them right in their case (after cleaning of course). Leaving your aligners out in the open exposes them to bacteria, and increases the likelihood that they’ll be damaged or lost.