Avoiding Issues: How to Clean Your Smile with Invisalign

Many teens and adults choose to straighten their smiles with Invisalign because it utilizes transparent plastic trays that are considered more comfortable and discreet than traditional braces. But you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions, which gives germs on your enamel and connective tissues plenty of time to cause problems.

That means maintaining your twice-daily dental hygiene routine is more important than ever. Continue reading to learn more about recommended ways to brush and floss to keep your grin happy and healthy throughout your Invisalign treatment!

Step #1: Remove Your Trays

You must wear your clear trays for most of the day and night to remain on track with your treatment timeline, but they’re not intended to be worn for meals or cleanings. As a result, the very first step of your at-home dental care regimen is to remove them from your mouth so that you can thoroughly scrub your gums and enamel.

Please remember to store the ‘invisible’ trays somewhere safe, such as in their carrying case, while they’re not in your mouth, so you don’t accidentally drop, damage, or lose them.

Step #2: Brush and Floss Your Teeth

Next, it’s time to brush your teeth for two minutes using a toothbrush and toothpaste to eradicate germs, leftover food, and other debris that cling to your enamel and contribute to oral issues, like cavities and gum disease. But brushing alone only removes about half of the harmful buildup; you must also floss to help prevent potential problems.

To do so, place the waxed string between your teeth in a C-shape, then gently glide it in an up-and-down motion toward and beneath the base of your gums.  Then, move the floss in your fingers to a clean section and repeat with the next tooth.

If you avoid flossing because you struggle to handle the string or don’t like how it feels, you might benefit from an oral irrigator, which uses a gentle stream of pressurized water to remove debris instead.

Step #3: Wash Your Aligners Before Reinserting

Bacteria and plaque can form on the surfaces of your Invisalign, too, so they must also be cleansed before being put back in your mouth. You can scrub all sides with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear dish soap that won’t abrade the plastic, then rinse them thoroughly to remove any residue.

Once your teeth and trays have all been cleaned, you can reinsert your aligners and go about your day (or night)!

Meet the Author

Dr. James Sierra has 20+ years of experience helping families improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and today, is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantology. He uses advanced technology to offer a complete menu of services, including Invisalign, to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or call (281) 482-2631.