How to Care for Your Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces are a great option for teens and adults that need braces. Invisalign braces, unlike metal braces, are virtually invisible. Invisalign orthodontic practice patients have found great results without the stigma of having to wear metal braces.

Of course, to get great results from Invisalign clear aligners, you do have to do your part. Caring for your Invisalign braces is relatively simple and straightforward.

What You Should Do to Get Great Results

There are some things you should do to get the best results from Invisalign braces:

• Take your aligners out in the morning and clean them. Make it a habit to clean your aligners every morning when you brush your teeth. Bacteria can build up on the trays while you sleep.
• Soak your trays as needed using either denture cleaning tablets, Invisalign crystals, or a cup with 1/2 water and 1/2 white vinegar. A good habit to develop is to let them soak while you manage your evening hygiene routine.
• Remove your trays when you eat or drink anything other than water. The trays can get stained, and food particles can get stuck in them. Remove them while you eat, rinse them off, and reinsert them.

Keeping your aligners in around the clock is important. You do want to remove them when you are eating or drinking anything, but you want to be sure you insert them again after. The more you wear the aligners, the faster the results will be. On average, braces have to be worn for about two years. Reaching that target date depends highly on how well you follow the rules when it comes to wearing the trays.

You do want to be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly to help keep them healthy while the braces are doing their job. Any time you remove the tray, be sure to rinse it under warm water to clear any debris from it.

What Not to Do with Invisalign

You never want to use toothpaste or harsh cleaners on your trays. Toothpaste can leave micro-scratches and damage the surface of your aligners. It is also important to remember not to leave your aligners laying around. Be sure anytime your aligners are out of your mouth for a few minutes, that you place it in the container.

Heavily pigmented foods will stain your trays, which, of course, will then make them very noticeable. Don’t drink coffee, tea, fruit juices, or eat anything with your trays in your mouth. Most people forget that they are wearing them pretty early on in the process, so make it a habit to remove them anytime you eat or drink anything other than water, so you do not forget to remove them. Invisalign braces are relatively easy to take care of and will give you incredible results if you do your part. Make an appointment with our Los Angeles orthodontist today to learn more about this revolutionary system!