There’s no doubt about it: orthodontic treatment often comes with a learning curve, especially when it comes to brushing and flossing. Keeping your teeth clean when you’re going through Invisalign treatment may take some getting used to, but with the right tips and tricks on the front end, you’ll be a pro in no time. The Upstate Orthodontics team is here to help, so keep reading to learn our top tips for keeping your teeth clean during aligner treatment.
#1: Remove Your Aligners When Eating or Drinking
No matter what company’s aligners you wear, Invisalign, Spark or ULab, your aligner trays are not designed for chewing! Not only can the pressure on your teeth crack the plastic trays, but food or drink particles can cause staining or encourage cavities. Stained aligners can make your teeth look yellow—and that defeats the purpose of clear aligner trays!
The best thing for your smile is to remove your aligner trays before eating and drinking. This will prevent that dyed look and protect your teeth from cavities.
Pro-Tip: Keep your case handy so you don’t lose your aligners at lunch! Wrapping them in a napkin is a no-go. In fact, this is one of the most frequent causes of lost trays. Instead, keep them in a central location (like your aligner case) to keep them safe while you’re eating.
#2: Rinse Your Mouth Before Re-inserting Your Aligners
Removing your aligners before eating is the first step, but you’ll need to rinse any leftover food particles before you re-insert them for complete stain prevention. Doing so will also reduce your risk of cavities. In fact, rinsing your mouth after meals is so effective for your oral health that we recommend continuing this habit even when you’re done with aligner treatment!
Pro-Tip: Brush if possible. If not, swish for 20-30 seconds to remove food particles!
#3: Clean Your Clear Aligners Regularly
Keeping your aligner trays is essential. Dirty aligners can appear yellowish, and they can also cause bad breath! It’s important to clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and mild antibacterial soap. Just remember: don’t use toothpaste! Toothpaste contains mild abrasive particles that can cause small scratches on your trays. Over time, those scratches can make it easier for cavity-causing bacteria, so it’s best to use it only on your teeth.
Pro-Tip: Soak your aligners in a cleaning solution every few days to thoroughly clean your trays. Try EverSmile Whitening Foam or make a DIY clear aligner cleaner at home. Your breath will thank us!
#4: Avoid Sugary or Acidic Foods or Snacks
While clear aligners don’t require you to change your diet, we do encourage you to stick to healthier foods if you can. Limiting your sugar intake can help you prevent plaque buildup, which you may be especially susceptible to during orthodontic treatment.
Pro-Tip: Remember: almost everything you drink is acidic, even carbonated water! It’s essential that you do not drink anything except water with your aligners in. Anything else could scar your teeth.
#5: Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Sometimes, patients think that going through orthodontic treatment means they don’t need another dental visit until treatment is complete. This couldn’t be further from the truth! While dentists and orthodontists both work on your oral health, our jobs are very different. Your orthodontist won’t clean your teeth at every appointment, so it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
Pro-Tip: It’s recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice a year or every six months. Even though clear aligners are removable, they can still make it more difficult to keep your regular standard of oral hygiene, so these extra dental visits could make a big difference.
#6: Try This Clear Aligner Cleaning Solution Recipe!
As we mentioned above, it’s always a good idea to soak your aligners every few days as part of your regular maintenance routine. Use this clear aligner cleaning solution recipe to get started.
Ingredients:
- White vinegar
- Water
Instructions:
Mix the Solution: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a small container (ex. 1 cup of water to 1 cup white vinegar).
Soak Your Aligners: Place your clear aligners in the vinegar-water solution. Make sure to fully submerge them and let them soak for 15-30 minutes.
Brush Your Aligners: After soaking, use a soft toothbrush to gently brush the aligners. This helps remove any remaining debris and plaque.
Rinse Them Thoroughly: Rinse the aligner trays with cool water to remove any vinegar taste and residual solution.
Dry & Store: Dry the aligners with a clean cloth or let them air dry before placing them back in your mouth or storing them in their case.
Keep Your Teeth Happy & Healthy at Upstate Orthodontics
At Upstate Orthodontics, we care about every aspect of your smile. From straightening your teeth to fixing your bite and maintaining your oral hygiene, our team has all the tips you need for a successful orthodontic treatment journey. Are you ready to get started? Schedule your free consultation with our team in Seneca or Clemson today!