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Top Tips For Looking After Your Invisalign

Nov 11, 2024

Top Tips For Looking After Your Invisalign

Nine ways to show your Invisalign you care

 

Any new experience takes time to get used to and wearing Invisalign is no exception. A bit like a new relationship, the best way for you both to rub along well is to show a little thought and kindness to each other. Here are ten things you can do to show your Invisalign some love and reap the rewards. 

 

1. Have a good morning routine

Start each day well by giving your Invisalign a good clean. Use a soft toothbrush to gently take off any debris and a colour-free, scent-free antibacterial soap (never toothpaste - it’s too abrasive). Once they’ve had a good morning ablute, rinse thoroughly with cool water. You can also use the Invisalign cleaning system, where you dissolve special cleaning crystals in water and leave them to soak. You can even buy ultrasonic cleaning devices to polish them up for you. Ask your orthodontist for more advice. 

 

2. Consider food and drink carefully

While cleaning food off your aligners is important, what food you put in your mouth can also make a big difference. The best thing you can do is to keep to three main mealtimes each day rather than grazing. If you find you’re really hungry between meals, keep snacks tooth-friendly. Cheese, wholemeal bread and vegetables are all good options. Drinkwise, water and milk are the best choices. Steer clear of anything sugary like fruit juice between meals. 

 

3. Enjoy fun and games safely

Invisalign aligners are safe to wear while playing sports. However, if you need a gumshield, you can either wear it over the aligners (if it fits comfortably) or remove your aligners during play and put them back in immediately afterward.

 

4. Offer them protection, a lot of love and affection

Always store your aligners in a protective case when not in use. This will save them from getting germy as well as getting broken. You should clean the case, with the same soap you use for your aligners, a couple of times a week, too, to keep everything nice and fresh.

 

5. Rinse carefully

If you’ve brushed your teeth after eating or before bed, give your aligners a little rinse, too. In fact, just give them a bit of a rinse every time you take them out. Never rinse in hot water as this can warp them; cool/lukewarm is best. 

 

6. Give them an extra clean if they look dirty

If you notice any marks on your aligners, clean them as soon as you can. And if you forget, and drink a liquid that wasn’t clear while wearing them, or find some food debris on them after you’ve eaten, same goes. The aligners can stain easily and will look pretty grotty eventually if you aren’t careful so never forgo an extra clean if you think they need it. 

 

7. Don’t forget to take care of your teeth, too

Generally, Invisalign patients remember to clean their aligners, but don’t forget to clean your actual teeth thoroughly also, as any food residue left on them will also affect the aligners (and presumably you don’t want your teeth to rot and fall out either). Brush for two minutes twice a day as a minimum and floss carefully each day to ensure you’ve got into any nooks and crannies. 

 

8. Keep up your hygiene appointments

You’ll be having lots of ortho appointments during your treatment, though hopefully most of these can be virtual. One appointment you should definitely still attend in person though, is your regular hygiene appointment. Come in and get a good polishing for your teeth every six months and let them know they’re not forgotten. 

 

9. If you notice a problem or breakage… just call

We promise you won’t be in trouble! But the sooner you let us know what’s gone wrong the quicker we can sort it out for you. Fill in our online breakage form or get on the phone and we can make you an appointment. Try not to fiddle too much in the meantime as you might make it worse. 

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