How Often Should You Clean Your Invisalign?

Invisalign trays are a form of orthodontic treatment that help straighten teeth. They are transparent, custom-made braces that pull your teeth together gently. They cover and put them in a proper position gradually. 

Most people remain with misaligned teeth since they think the only solution is traditional metal braces. Invisalign trays cannot undermine your smile as they have no metal brackets or wires. 

Invisalign makes teeth beautiful and comfortable. The trays take half the time traditional braces do to align your teeth. Both adults and teenagers are suitable candidates for Invisalign. The trays help treat overcrowded teeth, overbite, open bite, and underbite.

How Do Invisalign Work?

If your dentist establishes that Invisalign is the right solution for you, they will get a 3D model of your teeth, X-rays, and examination. Doing so will help determine how your teeth should shift. 

Your specialist will send the pictures, 3D model, and X-rays of your teeth to the Invisalign laboratory for crafting. When you receive the first set of the aligners, you will visit your doctor for a fitting and adjustments. You will then wear them every day except when eating, brushing, and flossing. 

Your specialist will instruct you to wear each set of the Invisalign trays for two weeks and then change to the next ones. At first, they will be tight as they move the teeth precisely and gently. When teeth move after a few days, the aligners will become loose. Ideally, do not switch the trays early, even if they become loose until two weeks are over. Doing so will help your gums and teeth adjust to their new position and stick to the treatment plan.

Ideally, go back to your specialist for an appointment after the number of weeks they ask you to check the treatment progress. They can also determine if they need to adjust the treatment plan or the aligners.

How Long Will You Have to Wear Invisalign?

The average treatment time for Invisalign is one year. However, the time also varies depending on an individual’s needs and age. Every case is different. After your specialist examines your teeth, they can estimate your treatment time.

Scrub your Invisalign with a soft-bristled brush to remove any hidden debris. Do not use regular toothpaste as it can damage and scratch the trays. Rinse them, then leave them to dry.

What to Avoid Doing 

Below are some things you should not do with Invisalign:

• Eat or drink while wearing the Invisalign. Most foods and drinks can stain and discolor your trays and even leave them with unpleasant odors.

• Avoid cleaning your aligners using heat as it can warp the material that makes them. For example, using hot water is not ideal.

• Leaving your Invisalign trays exposed or unprotected when not wearing them. You may risk losing them and can also expose them to germs and bacteria. Ideally, rinse them before wearing them.

• Using colored soaps that cause different hues and shades to the Invisalign trays.

Cleaning Your Invisalign

Ideally, clean your trays by soaking them in warm water to remove any leftover drink or food residue. Use cleaning crystals on the water and soak the Invisalign for up to 15 minutes, then rinse them again using warm water.

How Often to Clean Your Invisalign?

Ideally, clean your Invisalign twice every day whenever you brush your teeth. You can also rinse them with warm water every time you take them out to reduce bacteria buildup.
 

For more information about Invisalign or to schedule an appointment, call Today’s Family Dental at (813) 212-8700 to reach our office Lutz, Florida.