While Invisalign® clear aligners are more convenient than traditional orthodontic braces, that doesn’t mean upkeep isn’t important. Proper care is important to maintain the quality of your treatment and deliver beautiful results for your smile. If you have questions on cleaning, storing, or even eating with clear aligners, the following information will help.

Do:

Practice good oral hygiene.

While good dental care is important in general, it’s essential when it comes to the Invisalign system. Without proper brushing and flossing, you run the risk of trapping food particles between your teeth and the aligners, which will worsen decay and increase your risk of gum disease.

Soak on a regular basis.

In addition to regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, soak your aligners in a specialized solution, recommended by your dental professional, on a daily basis. This will keep them clean and sanitized for regular reuse.

Be gentle.

Always handle your aligners gently. Being too rough with them may result in scratches and tears, which can compromise their effectiveness.

Don’t:

Eat or drink while wearing Invisalign.

While it’s okay to drink water with your aligners in, all other foods and beverages should be consumed after they have been removed. Foods and beverages can cause stains while also leaving odors stuck to the plastic.

Leave Invisalign unattended.

Anytime your aligners are out of your mouth, they should be stored in the case provided by your dentist. Not only does this prevent you from losing them, but your case will protect them from becoming contaminated by germs or bacteria.

Use toothpaste when cleaning Invisalign.

While it’s good to brush your aligners, never use toothpaste when doing so. Toothpaste is too abrasive and will cause them to degrade much sooner. Instead, use uncolored, unscented soap.

If you have questions about the Invisalign teeth alignment system, Eastgate Smiles Dental Care in Cincinnati, OH, has the answers. This orthodontic system is great for teens and young adults who are concerned about the aesthetic impact of conventional braces. If you need other types of dental care, their general dentistry office also provides routine dental exams. If you’d like more information on their offerings, including cosmetic bonding, pediatric treatments, and oral cancer screenings, visit them online. You can also schedule an appointment by calling (513) 528-1150 today.