If you have recently been fitted for Invisalign near Ossining, NY, the team at Glaser Orthodontics would like to congratulate you on getting one step closer to a confident and healthy smile! Dr. Barry J. Glaser knows that while the clear aligners are in your mouth doing the important work of straightening teeth, it’s also crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and keep your Invisalign tray clean. The Glaser Orthodontics team recommends that their patients follow these tips to keep their Invisalign clear aligners clean and working properly.
Tips to keep your Invisalign clean.
- Saliva and plaque may collect on the plastic trays, and that creates the perfect home for harmful or odor-causing bacteria. It is important to clean your aligners every time you take them out. (You take your aligners out before you eat, right?) Brush your aligner the same way you brush your teeth; with a little bit of toothpaste and a toothbrush. You should also brush and floss your teeth while you’re at it. That will help to reduce bacteria also.
- Soak your aligner in a product like Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, Retainer Brite, or even denture cleaner once or twice a week. Avoid a colored denture cleaner; it may stain or color your aligners.
- Avoid foods that may stain your aligners. Tea, coffee, wine, and sodas stain the aligners most often. Hot drinks may warp the plastic trays into a position that no longer fits on the teeth, thus extending treatment time.
- Wear Invisalign conscientiously. The clear aligners need to be worn to work. The trays are removable to eat, but they need to be worn to be effective. Do not keep the plastic trays out of your mouth for longer than is necessary to eat, brush, or floss.
Keeping your clear aligners aligners clean is easy, and it’s a very important part of the overall treatment. Just remember, whenever you brush your teeth, brush your aligners too. To make sure you remember, the team at Glaser Orthodontics recommends that you make a small Invisalign cleaning kit for when you’re on the go. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to keep your teeth and the clear aligners sparkling clean!
If you have any more questions on keeping your Invisalign clean, or anything else Invisalign related, give Dr. Barry J. Glaser a call. You can reach Glaser Orthodontics near Ossining, NY by visiting our website or calling: 914.739.6400