How To Care For Your Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to shift your teeth into proper alignment gradually. You’ll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks. Then, you’ll move on to the next set in the series. Over time, your teeth will shift into proper alignment. When you first receive your Invisalign aligners, you may notice that they are tight and may cause some discomfort.

Luckily, the discomfort should go away in a couple of days. However, there are some things you can do to help ease your discomfort in the meantime.

Keeping Aligners Clean

Invisalign aligners should be worn for about 22 hours a day and should only be removed to eat, drink, brush and floss. This generally amounts to 2-3 hours during meals and oral hygiene.

Invisalign aligners can trap food particles and plaque if not cleaned properly. They should be brushed and flossed before and after they’re removed. This helps to remove any debris or plaque buildup.

When eating, the aligners should be cleaned before and after food is consumed. Avoid eating sugary and sticky foods as these foods may stain the aligners.

Caring For Your Aligners

You can care for your teeth with Invisalign aligners, but there are a few important things to remember. It’s important to take your aligners out before eating, brushing, and flossing. This helps to prevent food from getting trapped in the trays and bacteria buildup.

It’s also important to keep your aligners clean. Invisalign recommends that you clean your aligners with lukewarm water and soap. You should brush the aligners gently using circular motions.

Store Your Aligners Properly

Store your aligners in the proper containers. Use a case to store your aligners when you’re not wearing them, so they won’t get lost or broken.

Visit Your Dentist On Scheduled Date

You should visit the dentist approximately every four to six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. During your visits, our dentist in Oakland, CA, will check your teeth and gums to ensure that no issues are developing. Our dentist in Oakland will also assess your progress to make sure that you aren’t having any issues.

Switch Your Aligners On Time

Invisalign aligners should be changed out every two to three weeks, and you should not switch them out before that time. When you switch out your aligners, you will begin wearing the next set of aligners in the series. When you switch out your aligners, you are changing out your current set for a new set.

To learn more about best practices for oral health, call Bay Area Dental at (510) 350-8187 or visit our dental office at 3300 Webster Street, #907, Oakland, CA 94609. Book your appointment with our dentist in Oakland, CA, to achieve the smile you have always wished for.