At St. George's Dental in Lower Plenty, we've helped transform many smiles with Invisalign®. We educate our patients on proper care for their aligners because it's essential for treatment success and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Guide to Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Here's our guide to keeping your aligners in top condition throughout your treatment.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Establishing a consistent cleaning routine is crucial for keeping your aligners clear, odour-free and bacteria-free:
- Morning rinse — After waking up, remove your aligners and rinse them thoroughly under lukewarm water
- After-meal cleaning — When you remove your aligners to eat, rinse them before storing them in their case and clean your teeth before reinserting them.
- Evening deep clean — Each night, give your aligners a more thorough cleaning using a soft toothbrush with Invisalign cleaning crystals or a gentle, clear antibacterial soap.
Remember that food particles trapped between your teeth and aligners can cause discolouration and increase your risk of cavities, so maintaining this cleaning schedule is essential for the aligners and your dental health.
Avoid Damaging Your Aligners
Keeping your aligners in pristine condition means knowing what can damage them:
- Hot water that can warp aligners
- Toothpaste to prevent scratches that dull clear aligners
- Coloured or scented soaps that can stain aligners or leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Eating or drinking (except water) that can stain the aligners
Smart Storage for Aligner Trays
When you're not wearing your aligners, proper storage is essential:
- Always store your aligners in their case when not in use
- Rinse before storing to help prevent dried saliva and plaque buildup.
- Clean your aligner case to prevent bacteria transfer.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Your overall oral hygiene routine becomes even more important during Invisalign treatment:
- Brush and floss after every meal — Thoroughly clean your teeth before reinserting your aligners to avoid trapping food particles.
- Regular dental check-ups — Visit St. George's Dental for scheduled appointments so we can monitor your Invisalign progress and overall oral health.
- Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of water to maintain saliva flow, which naturally cleanses your mouth and prevents dry mouth that can occur with aligners.
Your Invisalign Partner in Lower Plenty
By following these care tips and maintaining regular appointments at our Lower Plenty dental clinic, you can enjoy your beautiful, straight smile for years to come! Remember, we're always here to answer questions, address concerns and help you achieve the best possible treatment results.
If you would like to learn more about Invisalign, we invite you to arrange an appointment at St. George’s Dental to see how we can help you.