Share:

Living with crooked teeth can do more than harm your self-esteem. In addition to making it hard to smile for pictures, crooked teeth can also be more difficult to clean and are prone to problems like tooth decay and gingivitis, which is why teens and adults alike turn to orthodontic care to straighten their smiles.

That’s where Mark Stephens DMD can help. Known for being a gentle dentist and offering a welcoming environment, this Richmond, KY, dental care provider offers everything from preventive dentistry and crown placement to orthodontic care and Invisalign. If you have Invisalign, follow these three care tips to keep your aligners clean and effective.

3 Invisalign Care Tips You Should Know

1. Don’t Eat With The Aligners In  

Unlike traditional braces, the Invisalign system is completely removable. They only need to be worn 20-22 hours a day to produce results. To keep them in good condition, always remove your Invisalign braces before eating. This helps your aligners stay clean and free of scratches, protecting their transparent appearance.

2. Brush Your Teeth Before Inserting Aligners

InvisalignWhen you eat and drink, the dyes in the foods and beverages you ingest can stick to your teeth, staining your Invisalign aligners when you put them back in. For this reason, you should always brush your teeth prior to reinserting your aligners.

3. Clean The Aligners Carefully

The aligners should be cleaned carefully with a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent scratches and other damage. Whitening toothpastes, which can contain abrasive components, should be avoided. Instead, clean your aligners with Invisalign soaking solutions designed to remove stains and sanitize them without damaging the acrylic.

By doing all you can to keep your Invisalign system clean and sanitary, you’ll keep your aligners comfortable and attractive. For more information about the Invisalign system or to schedule an appointment for a cosmetic dentistry consultation, contact the office of Mark Stephens DMD by calling (859) 626-0069 or by visiting them online.  

tracking