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How to Clean Invisalign Aligners

by | Aug 7, 2018 | Invisalign®, oral hygiene

At WGM Orthodontics, we don’t only want to be your source for high-quality orthodontic treatments, such as braces and Invisalign® – we want to be there every stop of the way as you proceed on your orthodontic journey. It’s our goal to make your daily life with orthodontics as simple as possible, which is why we’d like to give you a few tips for taking care of your aligners if you’re undergoing treatment with Invisalign®. Like your teeth, your aligners need to be cleaned and cared for as well; here are a few “dos” and “don’ts” when it comes to that process.

The “Dos” of Cleaning Your Aligners

When it comes to keeping your aligners clean, there are a few things that you’ll want to do:

  • Do brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Your aligners can’t stay clean if you’re putting them on dirty teeth. Also, by putting your aligners back in while your teeth are dirty, you can trap harmful bacteria between your teeth, which will increase the chances of developing dental problems.
  • Do be careful when you brush your aligners. Brushing too hard can potentially scratch the aligners.
  • Do soak your aligners in addition to brushing them. This will help keep your aligners sanitized. Make sure that the products you’re soaking them in are approved for usage on Invisalign® aligners.

The “Don’ts” of Cleaning Your Aligners

Make sure that you avoid these habits when it comes to cleaning your aligners:

  • Don’t use toothpaste when brushing your aligners. When you’re told that you need to brush your aligners, it may be your first instinct to think that you’re supposed to use toothpaste as well. Truthfully, this is a bad idea. Many toothpastes are actually abrasive and can scratch the aligners, creating areas for bacteria to get trapped in.
  • Don’t use mouthwash to clean your aligners. Mouthwashes can contain dye and alcohol that can be harmful to the aligners. Dye can potentially discolor them while alcohol can damage the plastic.
  • Don’t use colored soap to clean your aligners either. Using anything but clear soap can alter the color of the aligners.

Contact Your Orthodontist Today

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with us at one of our 15 locations. If you’re interested in Invisalign® or braces. We encourage you to give us a call to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

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