Invisalign® has become a popular alternative to traditional braces. These clear aligners help adjust and straighten your teeth so you can achieve a healthy, attractive smile. As with other dental treatments, however, following some key best practices will improve the effectiveness of using Invisalign.

Do:

Soak aligners daily.

Aligner trays should be soaked every day in Invisalign cleaning crystals. They should then be cleaned with a toothbrush to eliminate any plaque or food particles, and rinsed with warm water. Use a different toothbrush than the one you brush with. This will keep food particles from getting trapped against your teeth.

Take off aligners for meals.

To keep the aligners clean, it's best to remove them before eating. Aligners aren’t strong enough to hold up to chewing food and can also become discolored from eating and drinking. Because the aligners can trap food and liquid, you should also brush your teeth before putting the aligners back on after your meal. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally cause tooth decay from trapped food debris.

Don’t:

Leave aligners in the open.

When you take your aligners out, such as during a meal, don’t leave them out in the open. Because they are transparent, they can easily get lost. In addition, exposure to airborne pathogens could also result in bacterial buildup. Always store them in a case when not in use.

Use harsh or scented cleaners on your aligners.

Using toothpaste can actually scratch your aligners. Scented or colored products can also damage and discolor the aligners — as well as result in an unpleasant taste when you put them back in. Only use specialty Invisalign cleaners and warm water for cleaning.

From Invisalign to teeth whitening services, Anderson Dental Group in Mooresville, NC, will help your smile look its best. Serving area residents since 1999, this dental office provides a relaxed environment with a patient-focused approach. To learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment, visit them online or call the Mooresville location at (704) 663-3300 or their Salisbury office at (704) 636-3611.