People choose Invisalign® to straighten teeth because the aligners are transparent and hardly noticeable. However, they require proper care to work effectively and look good. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for cleaning your Invisalign trays.

Do:

Soak the aligners daily.

Soaking the trays every day with Invisalign cleaning crystals and water ensures they remain clean and odor-free. Afterward, use a toothbrush to remove any buildup, then rinse the trays off.

Brush and floss before inserting the trays.

Take care of your teeth as normal while using the aligners. Brush and floss your teeth in the morning before putting in the trays; otherwise, bacteria and food bits will accumulate. Do the same at night. 

In addition to visits with your orthodontist, you’ll still want to see your dentist for checkups and cleanings to maintain your oral health.

Don’t:

Leave them out.

When your trays aren’t in your mouth, they should be in their case. Not only does the open air make them more vulnerable to bacteria, but leaving them out also increases the chances that they’ll get damaged or lost. Take your aligner case with you wherever you go.

Eat with them.

Take your aligners out when you eat or drink to keep them clean. Sticky sweets can leave behind sugar, promoting cavities, while acidic coffee and wine may stain the trays. However, you can drink water with them in.

To learn more about the benefits of Invisalign aligners, contact the team of dedicated dental professionals at Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, AK. Their team of five highly trained dentists cares for patients of all ages with everything from tooth extractions and dental implants to teeth whitening and orthodontics. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (907) 562-2820 to make an appointment.