Invisalign has taken the orthodontic world by storm. Once a new, unknown treatment, Invisalign is now a wildly popular form of orthodontics offering a convenient, discreet path to a new smile for teenagers and adults alike. But successful Invisalign treatment requires more than simply wearing your aligners every day: properly keeping them clean is vital to preventing decay and achieving your new smile. As your Manhattan orthodontist, we at Goodman Orthodontics are here to tell you how to properly clean Invisalign aligners.
Best Ways to Clean Invisalign Aligners
Just like your teeth, you need to clean your Invisalign aligners regularly to prevent plaque and bacteria from forming on them. Not only will failing to clean your aligners make them smell and look bad, but it also poses a serious risk to your teeth: Invisalign aligners can trap food and bacteria against the teeth, creating accelerated dental decay that can quickly turn into a cavity. Follow these simple steps to keep your aligners clean and prevent dental decay:
- Brush: Each time you remove your aligners or put them back in, brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to use only water, as toothpaste can damage the aligners.
- Soak: Soak your aligners in a glass of water with a denture cleaning tablet on a daily or every other day basis. Soaking them gives them a deep clean that’s highly effective at removing bacteria, keeping them fresh and clean over time.
- Care: Taking proper care of your aligners is just as important as cleaning them. Make sure to use your case diligently, as setting them down anywhere besides the case drastically increases your chances of losing or damaging them. Furthermore, remember to remove them anytime you need to eat or drink anything besides water.
Schedule a Consultation with Your Riverdale Invisalign Orthodontist
With proper cleaning and care, you can keep your Invisalign aligners in great shape, preventing dental decay and ensuring successful, convenient orthodontic treatment. Feel free to contact us if you have more questions about caring for Invisalign, or if you’d like to see how Invisalign can help you achieve a brand new smile, request a consultation online today. We can’t wait to hear from you, and we look forward to helping you achieve your dream smile through Invisalign!