If you’re reading this blog, there’s a good chance you’ve already begun wearing your new Invisalign® clear retainers and just want to make sure you’re caring for them properly. It’s important to clean and care for your retainers according to the dentist’s instructions to ensure they last do their job of straightening your teeth.
Invisalign® clear aligners are the preferred choice of many Spokane cosmetic dentists and residents because they are virtually impossible to see, they’re much more comfortable than traditional braces, and they’re easier to keep clean. Caring properly for your aligners, according to your dentist’s instructions, will also ensure the teeth and gums under the clear aligners remain healthy, also.
If you’re wearing Invisalign® in Spokane, Washington, you’ve already taken a big step in getting the dazzling straight smile you have always wanted. Now you just have to let the Invisalign® aligners do the work, but you have to keep them clean and safe for your teeth and gums. In this blog, you will see the word “trays” when referring to an Invisalign® aligner—a tray is one set of Invisalign® teeth straighteners, not to be confused with the “case,” for the aligner, which is where you store your trays when they’re not in your mouth.
Clean Your Invisalign® Trays Twice a Day
Since Spokane general dentists recommend you brush and floss your teeth twice a day, at least, it’s recommended that you clean your Invisalign® trays twice a day, also. This is an easy routine to get into, so just get into the habit of cleaning your aligners when you clean your teeth and gums. There is some debate surrounding what is the best agent to clean Invisalign®, so please defer to your Spokane Invisalign® dentist’s cleaning recommendation. Some toothpaste is acceptable for cleaning your trays, while others are simply too abrasive and will damage the Invisalign® retainers.
Rinse Your Aligners Thoroughly When Cleaning
Food particles that get stuck in the aligners will damage them and reduce their efficacy. Make sure you rinse your aligners thoroughly with warm water at each cleaning. Please avoid rinsing your aligners in anything other than what your Spokane Invisalign® dentist has recommended, as other agents may be too abrasive and alter the appearance and texture of your Invisalign® aligners.
Soak Your Aligners Daily
During the hour or so that you will not be wearing your aligners each day, please rinse them twice daily for about 15 minutes each time. Your Spokane dentist will likely suggest a rinse in warm water to keep them clean and clear. When aligners are not properly cared for, their clear color and texture may change, which reduces their efficacy in straightening your teeth.
Avoid Eating While the Aligners Are In
Your Spokane cosmetic dentist will emphasize the importance of never eating with your aligners in your mouth. Not even a quick snack! When food particles get stuck in the aligners, bacteria grow, which may damage your teeth and gums. When wearing Invisalign® clear aligners, it’s imperative to make sure the teeth and gums underneath them are healthy and safe.
Always Store Your Invisalign® Trays in the Case
It’s imperative to have good habits from the very beginning of your Invisalign® treatment, so please get in the habit early of always storing your trays in their case. Even if you’re only taking them out for a few minutes, rinse them, clean them, and store them in their cases to ensure they last the weeks or months necessary before graduating to the next set of clear aligners.
When Traveling, Care for Your Aligners as You Would When Home
If you travel for business or pleasure, be sure you care for your aligners on the road just as well as you do at home. By rinsing and cleaning them each time you brush and floss your teeth, your aligners will last long and straighten your teeth as intended.
Caring for Invisalign® Clear Aligners in Spokane, Washington
If you’re looking for an Invisalign® dentist in Spokane, Washington, look no further, and please call 509-532-1111 Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics today. You may also fill out our online contact form, and one of our dental team members will reach out shortly.
