7 simple tips to help you maintain your Invisalign clear aligners

Congratulations — you're undergoing Invisalign treatment, and you're on your way to having the smile you’ve always wanted, which is very exciting! Compared to other teeth straightening treatments, the Invisalign process is very easy, so you really don't have to change your lifestyle much at all.

With that being said, we want you to have the healthiest smile possible, so there are some things to be aware of when it comes to taking care of your Invisalign clear aligners. Here are seven simple tips to help you make the most of your Invisalign treatment plan.

1. Remove your Invisalign aligners when eating or drinking

The beauty of Invisalign aligners is that they are so comfortable, and at times you might forget you have them on at all. So don’t forget to take them off before you eat or drink! It’s very important that you take your Invisalign aligners out before consuming anything other than water, as food and drink may cause staining, and potentially damage your aligners and your teeth.

Thankfully, because Invisalign clear aligners are customised to fit to your teeth and trimmed to your gumline, they are easy to take off and put back on again. Even if you're in public, you can take off your aligners discreetly — if you're about to munch on something to eat or sip your favourite drink, just step away for a moment, take out your Invisalign clear aligners, and you're good to go!

2. Always store your Invisalign clear aligners in the aligner case

For the best outcome, you should be wearing your Invisalign aligners for 20 - 22 hours a day. But if you take them out to eat or drink, it's best if you store them in their Invisalign case. Not only will this prevent them from getting lost, but it will also keep them clean and free from any dirt or bacteria.

If you're ever in a situation where you can't access your Invisalign case, make sure you store your Invisalign aligners in a clean, dry place — preferably not in your pocket!

3. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush for a quick daily clean

When it comes to a quick daily clean of your Invisalign aligners, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush combined with some toothpaste and warm water.

Gently brush your Invisalign aligners all over, making sure you pay extra attention to any areas where there might be food or drink residue. Once you've given them a good brush, rinse them thoroughly in lukewarm water and you’re all set to continue your day.

4. Brush and floss as normal

Another great way to keep your Invisalign aligners clean is to brush and floss your teeth as normal. Not only will this help to keep your teeth and gums healthy, but it will also remove any food or drink particles which could potentially interfere with your Invisalign clear aligners.

5. Rinse your Invisalign aligners when you take them out

Whenever you take your Invisalign aligners out, you can give them a quick rinse in lukewarm water. This will help to remove any food or drink particles that could potentially interfere with your aligners.

It's also a good idea to give your mouth a quick rinse with water and your teeth a brush before putting your Invisalign clear aligners back on.

6. Avoid foods and drinks which could stain your Invisalign aligners

There are certain foods and drinks which could potentially stain your Invisalign aligners, so it's best to avoid them where possible. These include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Cola
• Curry
• Soy sauce
• Balsamic vinegar

7. See your Invisalign provider regularly

Finally, one of the best ways to maintain your Invisalign clear aligners — and your overall oral health — is to see your Invisalign provider regularly as recommended in your treatment plan.

They will be able to check that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as it should, and they will also be able to spot any potential problems early on. How often you will need to visit the practice will vary depending on your needs, which they will explain as part of your treatment plan. Keep in mind that Invisalign Virtual Care may also be available, so you can make your checkups as convenient as you need them to be.

Maintaining your Invisalign aligners is a relatively simple process, but it's important to follow these tips to ensure that they stay clean and damage-free. It will help to keep your Invisalign treatment on track as you progress towards your beautiful new smile.

If you’d like to find an Invisalign provider near you, please check out our Find a Doctor page to take the next steps towards a straighter smile, and all the benefits that go along with it.