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Getting Invisalign in East Nashville can be a simple, non-invasive way to get orthodontic treatment without affecting your lifestyle like braces do. Nevertheless, clear trays like Invisalign® must be cleaned daily for you to have a successful treatment.

Cleaning your clear aligner trays daily is fundamental to preventing bacteria buildup, tooth decay, and the development of stained and colored invisible trays. Here are five tips to help you keep them clear and shiny.

Why Should I Clean My Invisalign?

Properly cleaning your aligners properly is still crucial, even if you replace them every two weeks.

You spend 20 to 22 hours daily with your Invisalign trays in your mouth. This allows bacteria and plaque to accumulate over time, which can result in gum disease and cavities. In addition to these issues, not cleaning your Invisalign can also cause bad breath.

You may notice that your Invisalign gradually begins to yellow or discolor if you do not keep it clean. This not only ruins their appearance but also makes the stains more challenging to remove since they have taken hold.

Best Way to Clean Your Aligners and Teeth

A good aligner cleaning routine starts in the morning. After taking them off to have breakfast—and brushing and flossing your teeth—rinse them off and clean them with a soft toothbrush.

During the day, make sure to rinse your mouth with water after eating before putting your Invisalign trays back in. If you have a brush, brush your teeth before wearing your aligners again.

As part of your nightly routine, clean or soak your aligners using your preferred cleaning technique. Then, brush and rinse them off. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in and going to bed.

Remember that knowing how to clean your aligners is irrelevant if you are not brushing your teeth properly or maintaining oral hygiene. Wearing them will only trap any food particles and plaque that are still on your teeth. When wearing Invisalign, you should brush twice daily, if not more, to prevent cavities.

How Often Should You Clean Your Aligners?

The primary objective is to thoroughly clean your Invisalign trays every day. However, this will vary depending on your schedule and personal preferences.

It is up to you whether you clean them in the morning or the evening, much like choosing when to floss during the day. But you still need to rinse at other times of the day, specifically after every meal.

Make the Most Out of Your Invisalign in East Nashville

Invisalign is a clear substitute for braces that gradually straightens your teeth using detachable, almost undetectable aligners. Because they are transparent, it is simple to forget you are wearing them and neglect to take care of them. However, since your aligners are made of plastic, it is crucial to clean them every day to avoid discoloration and stains.

If you notice damage or if discoloration becomes unmanageable, it’s crucial to reach out to your dentist at Greenwood Local Dentistry right away. We can assess the state of the damage and order a replacement tray, if necessary.

*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.