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If you’re considering Invisalign or want to learn more about how to clean Invisalign, this blog is for you.
Perhaps you have already started treatment and have questions, such as ‘Can you use Polident on Invisalign?
Cleaning Invisalign aligners is a critical part of successful orthodontic treatment. Failure to keep your aligners free of food debris and buildup can result in stained plastic trays and even oral health complications that can stall your treatment course.
In this Invisalign cleaning guide, we share tips to help maintain your aligners and keep your oral health in check throughout the treatment course.
But first, we’ll discuss Invisalign: what it is and how it works.
What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work
Invisalign in Narrabeen is a discreet orthodontic system that helps you reach your smile goals.
The system can resolve the following:
- Crooked Teeth
- Overlapping Teeth
- Twisted Teeth
- Bite Misalignment
- Unusual Spacing
Invisalign is popular around the world for its discretion (clear plastic aligners), comfort, and predictable results.
For Invisalign Treatment in Warriewood, your dentist takes detailed scans, photos, and measurements of your teeth to create a customised treatment plan. These details are then sent to the Invisalign lab. The lab fabricates your custom aligners, which you wear for approximately 22 hours daily. You remove your aligners only to brush your teeth and eat. Typically, you change your aligners every one to two weeks to gradually straighten your teeth.
After treatment, your dentist fits you with a custom retainer to ensure your teeth remain in their new straight positions. It’s crucial to wear your retainer as directed.
Of course, keeping your aligners clean is another crucial part of treatment that many people don’t consider when exploring clear braces.
Cleaning or Rinsing: How to Clean Invisalign
Discovering the best way to clean Invisalign is an important part of your Invisalign journey and can make your treatment course smooth and problem-free.
You’ll discover that sometimes all your aligners need is a rinse. Other times, you’ll need to clean the tooth trays thoroughly.
You can rinse your aligners throughout the day to refresh your mouth, and rinsing will remove some debris, but it won’t kill cavity-causing bacteria or prevent tooth/aligner stains.
Cleaning Invisalign requires a soft toothbrush, mild soap, or Invisalign cleaning solution.
Here are the steps for cleaning Invisalign:
- Step 1: Safety First: Place a plush towel or aligner case near the sink to hold your tooth trays while you prepare. You want to avoid them falling to the floor.
- Step 2: Remove Your Aligners: After you remove your aligners, rinse them thoroughly to clear any loose debris.
- Step 3: Be Gentle: Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap (very mild) to clean the plastic on all sides. Be sure to use a gentle hand.
- Step 4: Don’t Forget to Rinse: Rinse your aligner with lukewarm or room-temperature water to remove the soap.
Brief Considerations:
- In place of soap, you can talk to your dentist about Invisalign cleaning products.
- In answer to “Can you use Polident on Invisalign?” You can use Polident, but choose the 3- or 15-minute tablets, not the overnight variety. Soaking should not replace brushing your aligners.
- Always avoid water that is too hot or too cold.
- Never use harsh chemicals to clean your aligners.
Remember, clean Invisalign aligners are crucial to your oral health and treatment success.
If you would like more information about the best way to clean Invisalign aligners, never hesitate to call us.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Invisalign
Clean Invisalign aligners go hand in hand with a healthy and successful treatment course. Cleanliness is just as crucial as following your dentist’s instructions for wear time and how often to change your aligners.
As part of our Invisalign cleaning guide, we want to help ensure you understand why cleaning is important.
Without cleaning your aligners, you risk tooth decay and sudden tooth infections, which can disrupt your treatment and even put your oral health at risk.
Additionally, dirty aligners can cause staining and bad breath.
As another part of this Invisalign cleaning guide, we also want to stress the importance of excellent oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth after every meal.
- Visit our dental clinic regularly for checks, cleans and monitoring.
- Always talk to your dentist if you have concerns.
Beyond Cleaning Invisalign: Invisalign Aligner Care
Invisalign aligner care is about more than cleanliness!
Here are a few more tips for successful Invisalign aligner care:
- Change your aligners on time and according to your dentist’s schedule.
- Always store your aligners at room temperature and in their proper case.
- If you lose or damage an aligner, always call our dental clinic as soon as possible for guidance.
- Always wear your retainer according to your dentist’s instructions.
- Always call us if you have questions or concerns.
Invisalign Cleaning Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
Ask your family dentist in Narrabeen which gentle soap is best for cleaning your Invisalign aligners. Typically, a gentle hand soap or baby soap is sufficient.
Also remember that if you don’t brush and floss regularly, your aligners won’t stay clean no matter how often you rinse them.
Invisalign FAQs:
What happens if I don’t follow Invisalign cleaning tips?
If you don’t follow Invisalign cleaning tips, you risk your oral health and potential treatment success.
What is the best way to clean Invisalign?
We think mild soap and lukewarm water are the best!
Can you use Polident on Invisalign?
Yes, but remember to use the short-acting cleaning tablets. Some varieties call for an overnight soak, which is too long to leave your aligners off your teeth.
How much does an Invisalign consultation cost?
At the time of this blog’s publishing, we’re offering a free Invisalign consultation in Narrabeen! Contact our dental team to learn more about the limits and exclusions and to confirm whether this offer is still valid.
Are You Considering Invisalign in Northern Beaches?
To learn more about our treatments and services, including Invisalign, we welcome your call on 02 8076 0362. You can also arrange a consultation online.