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 a smile that truly expresses your personality, and it's all very exciting! Compared to other teeth straightening treatments, the Invisalign process is very easy and relatively low maintenance, 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 maintain your Invisalign clear aligners.

1. Remove your Invisalign clear aligners when eating or drinking

The beauty of Invisalign clear 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 clear aligners out before consuming anything other than water, as food and drink can cause staining, and potentially damage your aligners and your teeth.

Thankfully, because Invisalign clear aligners are customised to fit to your teeth and trim 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 clear aligners 20 - 22 hours a day. But for the few hours a day when you're not wearing your Invisalign clear aligners, it's vital that 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 clear 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 clear aligners, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush combined with some toothpaste and warm water.

Gently brush your Invisalign clear 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 warm water and you’re all set to continue your day.

4. Brush and floss as normal

Another great way to keep your clear 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 stain your Invisalign clear aligners.

We recommend brushing at least twice a day with a toothpaste which contains fluoride, and flossing before you brush.  Once you start turning regular brushing and flossing into a habit, it will become second nature and just another part of your day.

5. Rinse your Invisalign clear aligners when you take them out

Whenever you take your Invisalign clear 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 stain your aligners.

It's also a good idea to give your mouth a quick rinse with water and giving your teeth a brush after taking your Invisalign clear aligners out.

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

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

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

As you already know, you should always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. If you do want to eat or drink items which could potentially stain your Invisalign clear aligners, take them out before you eat, and make sure you give your teeth a quick rinse and brush straight afterwards. This will help to remove any residue before it has a chance to set in and stain your clear aligners.

7. See your Invisalign dentist regularly

Finally, one of the best ways to maintain your Invisalign clear aligners — and your overall oral health — is to see your Invisalign dentist regularly.

Your dentist 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. In terms of how often you will need to see your dentist, that will vary depending on your needs, so talk to your dentist about what is best for you. Keep in mind that Invisalign virtual appointments are also available, so you can make your checkups as convenient as you need them to be.

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

If you’d like to find an Invisalign doctor 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.