Invisalign® involves clear plastic aligners that straighten the teeth and improve the comfort of one's bite. Routine cleaning is essential to getting the most out of the treatment. Below are some do’s and don'ts to bear in mind as you help your child care for their new aligners.

Do:

Soak aligners once a day.

Because Invisalign is designed to be worn for up to 22 hours each day, they should be cleaned in the time they aren't in your child's mouth. Soak the aligner trays once a day. Invisalign cleaning crystals only take about 15 minutes to give the trays a deep cleaning. Then, using a clean toothbrush reserved for just this purpose, gently scrub away any stuck-on food particles that remain. Give the trays a good rinse under lukewarm tap water before wearing them again.

Rinse aligners every morning.

Your child can and should sleep wearing Invisalign. But during sleep, bacteria can accumulate in the aligners and adhere to your child's teeth to promote decay. Upon waking, aligner trays should be rinsed thoroughly under tap water and replaced on the teeth after they’ve brushed and flossed.

Don't:

Brush aligners with toothpaste.

Toothpaste is too abrasive to use on Invisalign. It can scratch and discolor the plastic to the point that the trays become readily visible when wearing them. When your child needs to brush the aligners, they should only use a clean toothbrush with wet bristles.

Utilize any denture care products.

Like toothpaste, denture solutions and cleaners are far too abrasive for plastic aligners. Only utilize products that are designed especially for Invisalign. If your child has cleaned or soaked the trays in a denture product and they’ve yellowed as result, they shouldn’t wear them. Consult a dentist for further guidance.

If you think Invisalign might be right for your child or they're experiencing issues with their aligners, contact Honolulu Keiki Dental. Since 2009, Dr. Dean T. Sueda, DDS, MS, and his team have served pediatric patients throughout the Honolulu, HI, area. They offer preventative and restorative dentistry services, orthodontics, and emergency dental care. Call (808) 944-1603 or visit their website to explore their full list of services and treatments.