If your teen has recently gotten Invisalign®, they are starting the exciting process of gradually straightening and improving their smile. This set of clear plastic trays fits comfortably over the teeth, slowly bringing them into a healthier alignment. To ensure the best possible results and protect the health of the teeth and gums, here are some guidelines your teen should follow when maintaining the aligners.

Do:

Brush aligners—and teeth—twice a day.

Bacteria will accumulate on the trays when worn overnight. For this reason, your teen should brush their teeth thoroughly in the morning. Then, they should do the same for the aligners using a soft toothbrush. Utilizing a small amount of toothpaste on these dental appliances is fine, but only if they're rinsed well before being placed back in the mouth. 

At night, your teen should brush and floss before going to bed. Besides practicing the traditional dental care routine, they should give the trays another light brushing to remove any lingering food particles.

Soak daily.

A daily soak helps wash food debris and bacteria from the trays. Not only will this keep the aligners working optimally, but it will also keep them smelling fresh and looking their best—which is virtually unnoticeable—when worn.

Popular soaking products include Invisalign crystals, denture soaks, and a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to three parts water. However, consult the dentist first to determine the best option for your teen.

Don't:

Forget to rinse.

Your teen should rinse the trays every time they remove them. This practice is especially important if they can't brush after every meal, as placing the aligners under cool tap water will remove at least some of the stuck-on food debris. Keeping these dental appliances clean helps prevent plaque buildup on the teeth.

Use colored or scented products to clean the trays.

Over time, colored toothpaste can stain or discolor the clear plastic of Invisalign appliances. As for scented soaps, they will almost certainly leave behind an aroma; even if they smell pleasant, they taste awful once the trays are in.

Avoid these outcomes by using white or clear-gel toothpaste. If you need to rinse stubborn stains or food particles with soap and water, use a clear, unscented, antibacterial soap and rinse it thoroughly.

Whether your teen has or is considering Invisalign, they can maintain the trays and their smile with help from James Julien, DDS. Serving Kenai, AK, for over 20 years, they offer comprehensive dental care, including braces, crowns, and veneers. This team uses the latest advances in techniques and technology to deliver the best results. Call (907) 283-4857 to schedule an exam, or visit them online for more information on their services.