Taking care of your clear aligners is simple. Easy maintenance is actually one of the greatest benefits of using aligners for orthodontic treatment. Maintaining your oral health and cleaning your clear aligners is a very important part of the treatment process.

Cleaning Your Clear Aligners

The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign Cleaning System developed by Invisalign specifically for this purpose. It is available online or right in our office. The aligners can also be brushed with a toothbrush and toothpaste and then rinsed in lukewarm water. The most important thing to remember when cleaning your aligners is never to use hot water as it could permanently warp the plastic.

We like to encourage our patients to floss and brush after each meal or snack, before putting their aligners back into place. One of the reasons for this is to avoid staining the aligners with food residue (like berries or sauce).

Avoiding Bacteria with a Few Simple Steps

Our patients are also strongly encouraged to avoid harboring bacteria by keeping their aligners clean at all times. If you drop your aligners in an unsanitary place, it’s extremely important to ensure that they are hygienic before putting them back into your mouth. Invisalign Cleaning Crystals help keep your aligners clean and hygienic. In as little as 15 minutes, this cleaning system can remove plaque and keep your aligners clear.

Breaking or Losing Your Clear Aligners

If your aligner breaks or if you lose it, it’s important to call the office right away. Since aligners and retainers are considered prescription items, patients cannot order replacements directly from Invisalign. We will work with you to keep you on track with your treatment. For some patients, this could mean wearing a previous set of aligners until replacement aligners are ordered and delivered.

The simplicity and ease of caring for your clear aligners is just one more reason to smile about Invisalign! Call our office at (540) 899- 8859 to schedule your free smile scan today!