With about 40% of our patients in Invisalign aligners, we have learned some tips and tricks about how to keep your teeth clean and care for your Invisalign trays during Invisalign treatment.
The Invisalign plastic isn’t meant to last forever. It is only meant to move your teeth for a certain amount of time. And since they should be worn about 22 hours a day, it is inevitable that they can get a little yucky.
7 Ways to avoid stained trays during Invisalign treatment:
1. Never eat or drink with your aligners in
Except for water.
2. Brush your teeth after each time you eat.
Doing this will ensure all the food in your mouth is gone before you put the tray back in. If you can’t brush fully, at least rinse your mouth out with water before inserting the tray.
3. Rinse your trays with water after you take them out and before you put them back in.
4. Brush your trays with a clean toothbrush.
Don’t use toothpaste – it is too abrasive for the trays. Don’t soak them in mouth wash or denture cleaners. You can brush them with Dawn soap and water or soak them for a short time in white vinegar.
5. Avoid drinking coffee, tea, soda, Gatorade, or anything colored with your aligners.
This will also prevent trapping sugar against your teeth which can lead to decay. Rinsing your mouth out after drinking these things and before putting your trays back in can also ensure your trays won’t stain.
6. Chew only non-sticky, sugar-free gum with the aligners in.
Orbit works well.
7. Keep your aligners “in your face or in your case.”
This will ensure that you don’t put them somewhere dirty or that they are found by your pet. You should regularly clean your case with soap and water as well.
These tips will help keep your teeth and trays stay stain-free during treatment. If you desire an extra white smile, talk to our doctors about whitening your teeth during your Invisalign treatment. They can provide you with a whitening gel that is placed inside the Invisalign trays and worn for 30 minutes at a time.
