Tips for How To Care for Invisalign Retainers

Invisalign® care tips

Invisalign® retainers require proper wear and care to keep them in optimal shape. Patients with these aligners need to exercise the following regimens to ensure the retainers function as intended.

Eating and drinking

One of the most important rules of Invisalign® ownership is to avoid eating while wearing them. Certain foods, particularly hard foods, may cause cracks and damage to the aligners. Eating with retainers in place can also leave trapped food particles behind and lead to a buildup of bacteria in the aligning trays, which increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay. It is also important to remove aligners before drinking any liquids other than water. Beverages such as tea, soda, and coffee could cause staining on the clear material, rendering it more visible.

Cleaning

It is imperative for patients with Invisalign® to clean the retainers on a regular basis. Using a retainer cleaner is ideal, but a small amount of clear, unscented soap or dish soap mixed into a cup of warm water is also acceptable. The trays should be brushed twice a day, thoroughly but gently, because applying too much pressure while brushing can cause scratches and cracks. Toothpaste should not be used to clean the retainers as it is too abrasive. Other safer cleaning options include vinegar or baking soda with water and denture cleaner.

When possible, Invisalign® retainers should be soaked at least a few times a week. Cleaning crystal are recommended; however, clear mouthwash is an easy way to soak and disinfect the aligners.

Common mistakes

There are certain common habits to watch for when caring for Invisalign® aligners. For instance, retainers should always be kept in their case when not in the mouth. When taking the aligners out for a short amount of time, it can be easy to forget to place them back into the case. However, leaving them out can lead to the retainers becoming lost or broken. It also increases the chance of a buildup of bacteria.

Another mistake is using colored soaps or mouthwashes for disinfecting aligners; this may cause discoloration and damage to the retainers. Any scented soaps should also be avoided as they typically result in a bad taste in the mouth. Finally, patients should avoid using hot water when cleaning the aligners so they do not warp and become misshapen.

Conclusion

Invisalign® aligners are an effective way to help straighten teeth while avoiding traditional-style braces. By practicing proper cleaning and care of these retainers, dental patients can achieve a straight and beautiful smile they can feel confident in.

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