Quick and Easy Tips to Maintain Your Invisalign Aligners

Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean plays a big role in how comfortable they are, how effective they are in straightening your teeth, and even in your oral health. Studies find that oral hygiene is significantly better with clear aligners than traditional metal braces, but only when proper oral hygiene and maintenance protocols are followed. 

Continue reading to learn some easy-to-follow habits to care for your aligners from the best orthodontist in Sheboygan for Invisalign, including simple daily cleaning routines, smart storage and handling tips, what types of food or drink to avoid, and what to watch out for when things don’t feel right.

Six Tips for Maintaining Your Invisalign Aligners and Keeping Treatment on Track

Dodge common issues like staining, warping, discomfort, or slowed progress, while keeping your treatment on track and enjoying a clean, fresh, clear smile:

1. Wear Your Invisalign Aligners the Right Amount Each Day 

Wearing your Invisalign aligners the right amount of time each day is the single most important factor in getting great results. Most treatment recommendations call for wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out only for eating, drinking anything besides water, and brushing or flossing. Think of your aligners like a prescription; missing hours is like skipping doses, which can slow down tooth movement and set your treatment back. 

You’ll also want to stay on schedule when it’s time to switch to your next set of trays, which usually happens every one to two weeks. Skipping or delaying tray changes can also add weeks or months to your treatment timeline. If you tend to forget to put them back in after meals, try setting phone reminders or using small habit cues, like reinserting your aligners right after you brush. 

2. Keep your Aligners Clean with Simple Daily Routines

Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is just as important as wearing them. Each time you take them out, after meals, snacks, or drinks, give them a quick rinse with lukewarm water to wash away food particles and prevent bacteria from drying on the surface. At least twice a day, gently brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush and the special aligner cleaner that comes with your trays. Skip the toothpaste, since many toothpastes contain abrasives that can scratch the plastic and make your aligners look cloudy. 

3. Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals for a Deeper Clean

For a deeper clean, you should soak your aligners a few times a week using Invisalign cleaning crystals. To do this: 

• Remove your aligners and rinse them under lukewarm water to wash away loose debris or saliva.
• Fill a clean glass or small container with enough lukewarm water to fully submerge both aligners. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
• Open one packet of Invisalign Cleaning Crystals and pour the contents into the water.
• Place both aligners in the solution and gently swirl to help the crystals dissolve evenly.
• Soak for 15 minutes to allow the solution to break down plaque and bacteria.
• Remove aligners from the solution and rinse them thoroughly under lukewarm running water to get rid of any remaining solution.
• Discard the used solution and rinse the container so it’s ready for next time.

4. Store and Handle Your Aligners Properly 

How you store and handle your Invisalign aligners also makes a big difference in keeping them safe and effective. Anytime you take your aligners out, use both hands and start from the back molars to gently release them, which helps avoid bending or cracking the plastic. While they are out, place them in their protective case rather than wrapping them in a napkin or leaving them sitting on a counter where they can pick up germs, get thrown away by mistake, or even become a snack for curious pets. Additionally, you should be mindful that leaving your aligners in a hot car can warp the material, causing them to lose their shape and fit poorly. 

5. Maintain Optimal Oral Hygiene 

Good oral hygiene and smart food choices are key to keeping both your teeth and aligners in top shape: 

• After every meal or snack, brush and floss before putting your aligners back in. Otherwise, you risk trapping food particles against your teeth, which can lead to cavities, bad breath, and staining. 
• Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, since foods and colored drinks like coffee, tea, wine, or curry can stain not just the aligners but also your teeth. 
• When you do indulge, avoid sticky or crunchy foods that can cling to your teeth or the surfaces where you set your aligners down, and try to stay away from sugary or acidic drinks that coat your teeth in residue. 
• A quick rinse with water after eating can go a long way if you can’t brush right away, helping keep your smile and aligners clean until your next brushing.

6. What To Do If Your Aligners Suddenly Don’t Feel Right 

If something feels off with your Invisalign aligners, it’s best to act quickly if you want to keep your treatment on track. Cracks, rough edges, or warped plastic can make your aligners uncomfortable and even throw your treatment off track, so contact the best orthodontist in Sheboygan right away to discuss getting a replacement set. Keeping up with your regular dental check-ups is also key; these visits let your orthodontist spot problems early, confirm your teeth are moving as planned, and adjust or replace aligners or attachments if needed. 

Where to Find the Best Orthodontist in Sheboygan for Invisalign

Your smile has been our family’s passion for over a century, and we’re here to make your Invisalign journey feel seamless and empowering. At Just Orthodontics, Dr. Ethan and Dr. Jeff combine generations of experience with the latest clear aligner technology to create treatment plans that truly fit your life. We take the time to understand your goals and customize every step, ensuring you feel confident in both the process and the results. From your free, no-referral new patient exam in Sheboygan or Manitowoc to the day you reveal your new smile, we’re committed to making the experience comfortable, convenient, and personalized.